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

10. Clint Capela

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela was a trade target for Dallas for most of the offseason, but a move never materialized.

It seemed that the Mavs were hoping Atlanta would make a move for Pascal Siakam so they could help facilitate the trade as a third team and land Capela. No such move ever came about, so Dallas and Atlanta never made a trade. There were even rumors that Dallas and Atlanta were in talks on draft night for a trade centered around the No. 10 pick.

Now that the season is underway, Dallas and Atlanta could re-engage in talks. This season, Capela is averaging 10.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. It has been a bit of an off-season for Capela, and he would be a great fit in Dallas.

If Dallas traded for Capela, he would immediately be thrust into the starting lineup, allowing Dereck Lively II to move to the bench. Even though Lively II has been excellent for Dallas, having him come off the bench would likely be a better fit.

Dallas would then have two rim protectors on the team, and they wouldn't be so reliant on Lively II if they also had Capela. The Mavericks' need for a second rim protector is obvious, and Capela would be that and more.