3 Dallas Mavericks players listed as 'top NBA trade candidates'

The Dallas Mavericks are outplaying expectations this season as they are sitting at 11-8 and sixth place in the Western Conference.

Dallas is coming off back-to-back losses to the Thunder and Grizzlies last weekend, as they were shorthanded in both games and will look to get back on track tonight against the Utah Jazz.

Mavs guard Kyrie Irving is someone Dallas missed on Saturday night as he tweaked his foot on Friday, and hopefully, he will be ready to go tonight. Tim Hardaway Jr. has also missed some time with back spasms, and it is crucial that he gets healthy soon as he has become a Sixth Man of the Year candidate for Dallas.

3 Dallas Mavericks players listed as 'top NBA trade candidates'

Although Dallas is playing well, they may need to make at least one trade to become a true contender. Their defense and rebounding have not been great, and they need a bit more depth if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Recently, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype released an article that previews some of the top trade candidates around the league, and three Mavericks made the list.

3. Richaun Holmes

Richaun Holmes has been playing much better over the last week or so and has been a vital piece of the rotation as the first big man off the bench, but it's no secret that the Mavs have already tried to move him.

The first night that Dallas traded for him, they tried to trade him again to the Phoenix Suns for Deandre Ayton. This deal ended up falling through, but it's clear that Holmes isn't untouchable for Dallas.

This season, Holmes is averaging 2.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 50 percent from the field. He brings good energy and hustle off the bench, but Dallas needs to upgrade their backup center spot to turn into true contenders.

Holmes isn't a true rim protector, and HoopsHype lists him as a top trade candidate because of the "surplus of big men on the roster." Holmes' contract is also very moveable and would be crucial in salary matching if Dallas were to try to pull off a big trade.