12 Players the Dallas Mavericks should trade for to improve their defense

After Tuesday night's victory over the Houston Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks are 11-6, which is a positive start compared to previous years, but certain parts of their play have been less than ideal.

Despite Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing elite basketball, Dallas' defense has been some of the worst in the NBA, and they continue to suffer on the glass. Other than Dereck Lively II, it seems that none of Dallas' frontcourt players want to play defense.

This is a problem they can't have for the remainder of the season, and it seems a trade before the trade deadline may be the best way to address their defensive issue. Although Greg Brown III has flashed immense potential in the G League, it seems that he still may need more time to develop.

12 Players the Dallas Mavericks should trade for to improve their defense

Trading for an established veteran is probably the best idea, and there could be plenty of defensive-minded players on the market depending on how everything shakes out across the league.

Here are 12 players that the Dallas Mavericks should trade for at the trade deadline to improve their defense.

12. Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II is one of the most underrated guard defenders in the NBA, and he could be a great fit in Dallas depending on if the Warriors decide to move him at the trade deadline or not.

This season in Golden State, Payton II is averaging 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. Payton II could provide Dallas with a spark off the bench, and his perimeter defense is intriguing.

Dallas' bench trio of guards (Tim Hardaway Jr., Seth Curry, and Jaden Hardy) are all score-first players and adding someone like Payton II would be a great idea.

He brings the toughness that Dallas needs and has the type of playoff experience that could help Dallas reach their goals this season. GP2 doesn't seem like someone that Golden State would even consider moving, but he would be a perfect fit in Dallas.

Payton II tore his calf on Wednesday night and will miss time, but hopefully he will recover by the trade deadline.