15 Power forwards the Dallas Mavericks should trade for at trade deadline

After Tuesday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Dallas Mavericks are sitting at 22-16 on the season and dropped to a 3-1 record on their seven-game homestand.

The Mavs are having a phenomenal season, but it seems as if they are looking to upgrade at the trade deadline.

Dallas is reportedly looking to upgrade at the power forward position, and this is a clear need for the squad.

15 Power forwards the Dallas Mavericks should trade for at trade deadline

Maxi Kleber has been out for several months with a dislocated toe, and Dallas' depth behind him at that position is limited. It's obvious that they need help in the frontcourt, and they have been in trade rumors for several elite fours.

Here are 15 power forwards that the Mavs could potentially trade for at the trade deadline.

15. Lauri Markkanen

The first player on this list is more of a pipe dream than any other player on this list, but he could be the missing piece to a future NBA Finals run if the Mavs found a way to make a move for him.

This season for the Utah Jazz, Markkanen is averaging 23.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from 3-point range.

Markkanen is the complete package at the power forward position, and him getting traded to the Mavs would form an elite big three with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

He is a great shooter off the catch, and his ability to score in the low post is intriguing as well. His offensive game is as complete as they come for his position, and his positional size is something Dallas needs.

Standing at seven feet, Markkanen gives Dallas size, rebounding, and an elite ability to score the basketball.

Dallas may not have the assets to make this trade happen, but he is a dream target for this team.

14. Xavier Tillman

Xavier Tillman of the Memphis Grizzlies is someone who Dallas Mavericks fans got to know well this week as Dallas just played the Grizzlies on Tuesday night, and he would be a great bargain trade target if the Mavs couldn't land one of the bigger trade targets.

Against Dallas, Tillman was a monster on the boards and scored well too. The Mavs had no one with enough size to compete with him, and he feasted on both ends of the floor. This could have been the perfect recruiting pitch for the Mavs to come trade for him, and they could get him for relatively cheap if the Grizzlies decide to sell at the deadline.

This season, Tillman is averaging 5.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. He is an absolute workhorse at his position, and the Mavs wouldn't have to worry when Dereck Lively II is on the bench.

Dallas is nowhere close to the same team when Lively II is hurt or on the bench, and Tillman would help lessen the blow when he is out. Tillman's big frame and stocky build would help Dallas a bunch.

He also has played in the playoffs in three straight seasons and already knows how to play with superstar guards since he has been playing with Ja Morant.

13. Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga's name has been buzzing over the last week or so after that it was reported that he is frustrated with his role. It doesn't seem like the Golden State Warriors particularly want to move him, but could the Dallas Mavericks find a way to land him?

It doesn't seem too crazy.

This season for Golden State, Kuminga is averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field. Kuminga is playing 22.6 minutes per night and has started in six games. He still remains a crucial piece in the Warriors' rotation, but the Mavs could potentially offer him a bigger role.

The Mavs need a bigger forward, and Kuminga's 6-foot-8 frame and athleticism would flourish in Dallas. He would likely immediately slot in as the team's starting power forward and could take the squad to the next level.

The Mavs don't necessarily need a third star. They need more elite role players to put around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and Kuminga could be just that.

He is someone who hustles on the glass, is a solid finisher, and although his numbers are down, is a good shooter. He is shooting 27.3 percent from downtown this season, but him playing in Dallas could help this number rise.

12. Jalen McDaniels

Jalen McDaniels is the brother of Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he is someone who could be on the move over the next month as he has been a disappointment in his first season playing for the Toronto Raptors.

McDaniels is averaging 2.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.3 steals per game while shooting 30.6 percent from the field and 18.6 percent from downtown. He has been struggling tremendously this season, but maybe a change of scenery could do the trick for him.

McDaniels is someone who the Mavs could play at both the power forward and small forward spot, and his combination of length, quickness, and size allows him to be a switchable defender. The Mavs need more big wings, and that is exactly what McDaniels is.

Offensively, McDaniels isn't someone who can go create his own shot, but his ability to score in transition is solid. His defense oftentimes leads to his offense, and he could be a good bench piece in Dallas.

McDaniels wouldn't be someone who turns the Mavs into contenders, but he could be someone Dallas pushes to acquire if they were to land Pascal Siakam in a trade. He would be the cherry on top in such a trade, and would help the Mavs replace the depth that they would lose in the trade.

11. P.J. Tucker

In his first 12 games with the LA Clippers, P.J. Tucker has not been great. This season for the Clippers, he is averaging 1.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.5 steals per game.

His numbers are way down, but he is someone who the Dallas Mavericks could use. Tucker's bread and butter is his defense, and that is something that the Mavs need more of. He is also extremely physical and has vast playoff experience.

Over 102 playoff games and 89 starts, Tucker averages 7.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting over 40 percent from downtown. He elevates his play once April hits, and the Mavs need someone who can be relied upon down the stretch.

He isn't the type of player who is going to go out and put up crazy scoring numbers, but he is the type of player who will knock down some threes, play physical defense, and be a vocal leader. He backs down from no one, and his intensity is exactly what the Mavs need.

Tucker's $11 million annually over the next two seasons isn't ideal, but he could be someone who the Mavs could get a good bargain for due to his poor play to start the season.

He isn't someone who would be the Mavs' big trade deadline acquisition, but he would provide some depth and defense.

10. Pascal Siakam

The Pascal Siakam to Dallas rumors are starting to pick up some steam, and he is seeming more like a viable option by the day. Siakam is someone who Dallas has been linked to for over a week, and the Mavs also called about him over the summer.

He would take this team to another level if the Mavs could find a way to land him, and they would immediately become NBA Finals contenders.

This season for the Raptors, Siakam is averaging 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. He is as complete of an offensive weapon as you can find at his position, and his fit in Dallas is superb.

He would be playing alongside two other offensive juggernauts in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and their offense with him in it is unstoppable. Siakam is extremely crafty when getting downhill and is a great scorer in the paint. He can also create his shot whenever he wants, and his footwork and spin move makes him a nightmare to guard.

Landing Siakam would be easier said than done though, as Dallas may not have the assets to get it done. They could send the Raptors multiple young assets and a first-round pick, but this trade only makes sense if they know they can re-sign him over the summer.

9. P.J. Washington

P.J. Washington is someone who seemingly every Dallas Mavericks fan wanted over the summer, but he ended up re-signing with the Charlotte Hornets as a restricted free agent and the Mavs ended up not pursuing him. Since re-signing, he has struggled.

If the Mavs want to make a move for him, the time is now.

This season for the Hornets, Washington is averaging 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from 3-point range.

These struggles are not ideal, especially for someone who just signed an extension, but a fresh start in Dallas could be a good move for him.

Washington is someone who can play either forward spot, and a trade for him actually makes tons of sense for the Mavs if they can buy low.

When hot, he can be a flamethrower from downtown and he is also a solid scorer in the paint. He isn't someone who can consistently create his own shot, but he is a good kick-out option and can attack closeouts of slower forwards.

Defensively, Washington has the size and frame to battle in the post and can hold his own. He isn't going to be someone who locks down opponents consistently, but his offense more than makes up for this.

8. Dorian Finney-Smith

Brooklyn Nets wing Dorian Finney-Smith is more of a wing than he is a power forward, but due to the fact that he has been playing plenty of power forward this season, he lands on this list.

Finney-Smith is someone who Dallas has been in trade rumors for already, and it's clear he'd like to eventually return to playing for the Dallas Mavericks. He spent the first six and a half years of his career in Dallas, and he turned into one of the best all-around 3-and-D wings in the NBA.

He has flourished in his role for his entire career, and him returning to Dallas is a move that would make everyone happy, including Luka Doncic. Luka and Finney-Smith still have a close relationship, and Finney-Smith was known as one of his best friends while he was on the team.

Reuniting Luka and Finney-Smith would be a move that could help the Mavs turn into NBA Finals contenders, but they may need one more piece along with Finney-Smith.

This season for the Nets, Finney-Smith is averaging 9.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.1 percent from downtown. Finney-Smith is quietly having a career year in Brooklyn, and maybe the Mavs could intrigue the Nets enough to give him up if they ship them some young assets or draft capital.

7. Santi Aldama

Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama is someone who wouldn't fix the Dallas Mavericks' needs by himself by any means, but he would be a great piece for the Mavs to add as they gear up to make a playoff push.

This season for Memphis, Aldama is averaging 10.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from downtown. The 7-footer is a great floor spacer and an underrated defender, making his fit onto this Mavericks squad a seamless one.

The Mavs have a stretch four who can protect the rim, block shots, and defend in Maxi Kleber, but he has been out for multiple months with a dislocated toe. He also didn't look good when he was on the floor, so making a trade for Aldama makes even more sense. Aldama is also eight years younger than Kleber.

Aldama would give the Mavs' bench unit defense, shooting, and some rebounding, but the biggest thing that he brings that the Mavs need is size. Dallas has little to no positional size off the bench, and adding a 7-foot power forward would be a smart investment.

Aldama has this season and one more year on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent. This is a move that could be low-risk, high-reward as Aldama's fit seems like it would be great.

6. Jerami Grant

The Jerami Grant to Dallas rumors started flying earlier this week, and he is one of the few players on this list who could turn the Dallas Mavericks into true NBA Finals contenders by himself. His ability to stretch the floor and play off the ball is extremely intriguing, and he would give the Mavs another dynamic scorer next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

This season for the Portland Trail Blazers, Grant is averaging 21.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Grant isn't as good as a rebounder as the Mavericks may desire, but his ability to knock down open shots is excellent.

Grant is shooting a career-high 41.7 percent from downtown this season. He continues to improve as a shooter over the years, and he would be a great fit in Dallas.

Other than shooting, Grant makes his presence felt on the offensive end of the floor by attacking the basket and scoring at the rim. He is also not a bad scorer with his back to the basket and has improved as a passer.

The only bad part about trading for Grant is his massive five-year, $160 million contract he just signed. That is a lot of money to have on your books for Grant, and trading for him could be a risk due to that.

5. Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards may command a much higher asking price than the Dallas Mavericks are willing to pay but adding him to this team could be a move that the Mavs can't pass up if they have the opportunity.

This season for the Wizards, Kuzma is averaging 22.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from downtown. Kuzma is a dominant scorer with good size, and he would form a potent offensive trio with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Kuzma is a great shooter off the catch, and he doesn't need much space to get his jumper off. His confidence and comfortability with shooting a high volume would be something that Dallas should be excited about, as Luka and Kyrie are two of the best shot-creators in the NBA.

Kuzma would get plenty of shots, and he is also a good scorer in transition. Standing at 6-foot-9, Kuzma would give Dallas some size in their frontcourt. He doesn't play a ton with his back to the basket, but he occasionally attacks closeouts and can blow by slower defenders.

Kuzma's smooth offensive game would thrive in Dallas, but the Mavs don't have the ability to give up multiple first-round picks.

4. Taurean Prince

Convincing the Los Angeles Lakers to trade Taurean Prince would be extremely challenging, but if they do move him, the Dallas Mavericks are a team that could use his skills.

This season for the Lakers, Prince is averaging 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He has been a great bargain free agent signing for Los Angeles this season, and he would be a great fit on the Mavs.

Prince would immediately start at the power forward position for the Mavs, and his ability to guard on the perimeter and down low combined with his consistent jumper are things that the Mavs ask out of their power forwards.

Prince would be a massive upgrade over Grant Williams, especially with how poorly Williams has been playing as of late. In the month of January, Williams is averaging 3.8 points per game while shooting 14.3 percent from 3-point range. He has been a massive disappointment ever since coming off his hot streak at the beginning of the year, and he only played in seven minutes in Dallas' last game.

This is a major concern, and someone like Prince would be a great upgrade who can do everything that Williams can do. Dallas would likely have to acquire Prince as a third team in a trade, considering how valuable he has been for the Lakers, but only time will tell if he is someone who becomes available at the deadline.

3. Patrick Williams

A trade between the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks seems possible, especially with their prior interest in signing Andre Drummond over the summer, and Patrick Williams would be a great addition for Dallas at the power forward position.

This season for the Bulls, Williams is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. He also becomes a restricted free agent this summer, and maybe the Mavs could get him for a cheap deal.

Williams is a solid defender and a good 3-point shooter, making him the perfect candidate for the Mavs. He is a plug-and-play type of player, and Dallas could pursue him hard if they believe in his potential and think he would re-sign.

A deal that lands Dallas him and Drummond could be cheap and also extremely effective. The Mavs have needs at both positions, and both players would be essential rotation pieces for them.

Williams does plenty of damage from downtown, but his in-between game is nice as well. He gets to his spots from mid-range as well as attack the rim, making him a viable three-level scorer for his position.

Just like many of the players on this list, Williams alone wouldn't make Dallas NBA Finals contenders, but they would definitely be much better than they are right now.

2. Torrey Craig

Torrey Craig is another Chicago Bulls forward who the Dallas Mavericks should call about, and Dallas could possibly get him for cheaper than the aforementioned Patrick Williams.

This season for the Bulls, Craig is averaging 6.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from 3-point range. Although he is more of a small forward, he has the ability to play some time at the power forward spot, earning him a spot on this list.

Craig is someone who we have flirted as a Mavs' potential trade target in the past, and right now might be their best chance for Dallas to get him. If the Bulls were to move Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, or both of them, the Mavs should be on the phones with Chicago immediately.

The Bulls have several players that would fit great in Dallas such as Williams, Craig, Drummond, and Alex Caruso, and a trade that nets at least one of those players would be massive.

Craig is a versatile defender who can guard up, but he also is a great shooter off the catch from downtown. The Mavs could use him on the perimeter or down low on defense, and he would succeed in either role.

1. Brandon Clarke

Brandon Clarke is the third Memphis Grizzly to make this list, and he could be the best fit of them all. Although he hasn't played a game this season, Clarke is an attractive trade asset and is expected to return after All-Star break.

Last season for Memphis, Clarke averaged 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 65.6 percent from the field. He has been great when he has been on the floor, but his torn Achilles could be something that the Mavs want to stay away from. Players often regress after an Achilles tear, and they likely don't want to take that risk.

But if they do, Clarke would be a great fit in Dallas. He is an elite lob threat and his energy and athleticism are phenomenal. His presence on the floor is contagious, as he brings a level of competitiveness that is evident when you're watching him.

I don't see Memphis trading him under almost any circumstance, as they struck gold by drafting him, but maybe they will be big sellers at the trade deadline and the Mavs can make something happen.

For all the latest news and rumors on the Dallas Mavericks and their potential pursuit of a new power forward, stay tuned.