Ranking every Dallas Mavericks player by trade likelihood

The Dallas Mavericks are off to a decent 16-11 start after Wednesday night's loss to the LA Clippers, and many of their new additions taking their game to the next level.

Dante Exum has been playing outstanding over the last several games, and Dereck Lively II has been the team's third-best player as a rookie (even though he is injured right now).

Despite all of this, it seems that the Mavs will be a team that could be active at the trade deadline.

Ranking every Dallas Mavericks player by trade likelihood

They need at least one or two more pieces to become NBA Finals contenders, and there are a couple of holes on the roster.

This is an extremely fun team, but I don't think it will look the same as it does now once the trade deadline passes. Here we break down every player on the Dallas Mavericks roster and rank them by their trade likelihood (least likely to most likely to be traded).

15. Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic is arguably having the best season of his career, and I don't see the Mavs moving him under any circumstances.

This season, Doncic is averaging 32.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from downtown. He has solidified himself as one of the frontrunners in the MVP conversation, and I could see him being a Maverick for life.

Dallas could get one of the biggest returns of all time if they ever decided to move Doncic, but I believe he will remain as Dallas' superstar for years to come. He is just scratching the surface of the NBA, as he is only 24 years old, and he could go down as one of the greatest players of all time one day.

You can't afford to trade a player with the type of potential that Luka has, and the Mavs must continue to put the right pieces around him to keep him happy and the team competitive. Doncic clearly wants to win more than anything, and if he isn't doing that in Dallas, he could want to go do that somewhere else.

This seems unlikely, as Doncic shut down the trade rumors that were flying about him last season, but anything is possible.

14. Dereck Lively II

After just a few months, Dereck Lively II has become the Dallas Mavericks' third most important player, and an argument can be made that he is the second most important player behind just Luka Doncic.

Lively II has been everything that the Mavs need out of their starting center and more. This season, he is averaging 8.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. He has been elite in his role and has finally given the Mavs someone who can protect the rim.

The Mavs can't afford to trade Lively II because of his extreme importance to the squad. Dallas has not won a game this season that Lively II has been out for. This shows that Dallas plays much better when he is on the floor, and their post defense struggles tremendously when he is out.

This screams that Dallas needs a backup rim protector, but it also shows just how special Lively II is.

In both of his games against the two frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year race in Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, Lively II has shined. He outplayed both of them in each of those games, and he doesn't back down from anyone.

The Mavs could have a franchise building block on their hands with Lively II, and I see him as someone who is nearly untouchable for Dallas.

13. Kyrie Irving

The Dallas Mavericks made one of the biggest trades in franchise history this February when they sent Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Kyrie Irving.

This move finally gave Luka Doncic his co-star, and Dallas ended up re-signing Irving to a three-year deal this offseason. This shows how much trust that the front office has in the Doncic and Irving duo, and I see Irving finishing out his contract in Dallas.

Irving has been outspoken about how much he likes playing in Dallas, and it wouldn't make much sense for the Mavs to trade him as they put a great roster around him and Doncic. Dallas could have a chance to compete for a title this season, and moving Irving at the trade deadline would significantly hinder that.

It would cause everyone to gain chemistry with whoever they traded him for and change the overall dynamic of the team. Just like we saw with the Irving trade last season, getting acclimated to new teammates takes time.

The Mavs don't have time to wait around, and Irving has became a main piece of this squad.

Irving and Doncic have become the duo that everyone expected them to be last year, and fans can't wait for Irving to return from his foot injury.

12. Grant Williams

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a big sign and trade this summer in a three-team deal with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.

Dallas sent the Spurs Reggie Bullock and a first-round pick swap while receiving two second-round picks and Grant Williams. The Mavs needed a big-bodied forward who could guard multiple positions and stretch the floor, and that's what they got in Williams.

Although he has been struggling over the last few weeks, Williams averages 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 40 percent from downtown. He is still shooting 39.5 percent from downtown while going through this massive slump, and his improvement could be crucial for Dallas' success.

With Maxi Kleber being out for extended time with his toe injury, Williams has had to carry tons of slack in the frontcourt. He is playing a career-high 29.4 minutes per game and is one of Dallas' only players with enough size and strength to battle in the post.

I don't see Dallas moving Williams just because of his extreme importance to what they do defensively and due to the fact they just signed him. Things could change if he doesn't begin to shoot better, but Williams means too much to this team on and off the floor for them to move on this quickly.

11. Dante Exum

When the Dallas Mavericks first signed Dante Exum this offseason, it was a move that surprised most fans as there were no rumors surrounding the Mavs being interested in him.

There hadn't even been many rumors that Exum was eyeing an NBA return, and the Mavs already had a full guard room. The move was puzzling at first, but Exum has quickly proved that he is a vital piece for Dallas' early-season success.

This season for Dallas, Exum is averaging 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.5 steals per game while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 44.2 percent from three. Exum started the season as a bench player but has been starting recently due to several injuries.

Since being a starter, Exum has been elite in his role.

Just over a week ago against the Los Angeles Lakers, Exum scored 26 points and shot 7-9 from downtown. The Lakers kept leaving him open, and they made him pay.

Although Exum has been a solid scorer as of late, he proves his value to this team in every other way. He has been a great passer and defender and does all the little things right.

Exum is so valuable to Dallas because they will desperately need a lockdown guard defender in the playoffs. Players like Frank Ntilikina have been called upon to play some big playoff minutes for Dallas in the past, and Exum is miles ahead of the player that Frank was for Dallas.

I would be shocked if Dallas moved Exum because of his importance to everything this team does and his team-friendly contract.

10. Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Although the Dallas Mavericks' 2023 NBA Draft night will always be remembered for them selecting Dereck Lively II with the No. 12 pick, Dallas made a move later that night that could turn out as a massive success as well.

Dallas used a traded player exception to trade back into the first round and select Olivier-Maxence Prosper while also acquiring Richaun Holmes. Prosper was initially thought of as someone who could have a big role from day one, but he hasn't been great so far this season.

Prosper is averaging 2.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while shooting 34.3 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from downtown. He hasn't been able to solidify himself as someone that Dallas can rely on, but he has seen his role increase recently due to injuries to players around him.

Prosper has played over 10 minutes in a game five different times this month and had his best game on December 11 when he scored 11 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Prosper hustles and his defense is coming along, but his shooting has been shaky to say the least.

Even with his struggles, I believe he is someone Dallas wants to keep around long-term. He has great intangibles, and I don't see them giving up on him this quickly.

9. Derrick Jones Jr.

One of the best veteran's minimum signings in the entire NBA was when the Dallas Mavericks signed Derrick Jones Jr. to a one-year deal. This signing happened pretty late into the offseason, but Jones Jr. has quickly outplayed that contract and turned into a crucial piece for this Dallas team.

Throughout training camp, people expected Josh Green to be the starting wing. He had just signed a three-year extension, and people thought that he was ready to take the next step in his career.

Then rumors started to fly that Jones Jr. could be someone who could end up being a starter.

After over a quarter of the season, Jones Jr. has started in every game he's played in and is playing the best basketball of his career. He is averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting a career-high 35.5 percent from downtown.

He is finally playing for a team that gives him the green light from downtown, and playing with Luka Doncic has helped him turn into an elite 3-and-D threat.

With Jones Jr.'s high level of play and expiring contract, I don't see many scenarios in which the Mavs trade him. Considering how well Dallas is playing, it wouldn't make much sense for them to deal a player who has been vital to their success.

8. Dwight Powell

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Dwight Powell and Rajon Rondo back during the 2014-15 season. Although Rondo became one of the most hated Mavs of all time, Powell is now the longest-tenured player on the team and has been a starter for a large chunk of his time in Dallas.

Through 605 games as a Mav, Powell averages 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 60.1 percent from the field. Although he catches more flack than any other player on the team, Powell has built a solid career in Dallas.

He is a good hustler and occasional lob threat, but his trade value isn't looking the best after a bit of a poor start to the 2023-24 season. Powell is also someone that I don't think Dallas would want to trade in the first place.

He means as much to this team off the court as he does on the court, and is the perfect veteran leader for the young players on this team. Powell never complains about his role and clearly loves playing for the Mavs as he turned down a bigger contract offer from the Houston Rockets to stay with Dallas.

With all of this being said, I believe that Powell is someone who could retire as a Maverick. I don't think they will trade him unless they absolutely have to, but if the right deal presents itself, I wouldn't be too shocked if he is moved elsewhere.

7. Markieff Morris

One of the more interesting moves of the Dallas Mavericks' offseason was when they decided to re-sign Markieff Morris. Dallas acquired Morris as part of the Kyrie Irving trade, but he didn't do too much during his first season with the team that showed Dallas should bring him back.

Despite his cryptic tweet after the season that alluded to him returning to the Mavs, he was someone that most people thought Dallas should let walk.

The Mavs ended up re-signing him to a one-year, veteran's minimum deal, and he hasn't done much on the floor this season. Morris is averaging 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.4 steals per game while shooting 34.2 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three.

He has been someone who the Mavs have relied on occasionally for some size due to injuries to Maxi Kleber and Dereck Lively II, but Dallas clearly needs to upgrade in this area.

Morris lands here on the list because, at this point, I think that he would be thrown into a trade to help the money work. I don't think many teams would go out of their way to trade for Morris, and he is also a solid veteran presence for this team.

It wouldn't shock me if Morris is moved elsewhere, but he may be the least valuable trade asset on this roster, so don't expect teams to be calling for him.

6. Josh Green

The Dallas Mavericks extended Josh Green on a three-year, $41 million deal this offseason, but things haven't gone all the way according to plan.

Green is averaging 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.2 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three. He hasn't taken the fourth-year jump that most people were anticipating, and his play has regressed since last season.

Green has also been outplayed by both Derrick Jones Jr. and Dante Exum. Neither player was expected to make massive impacts in their first year with the team, but they have both been phenomenal in Dallas.

All of this combined with Green's elbow injury has made this a season to forget for Green. This is the same elbow he injured last season, and hopefully, he can get back to playing at a high level.

Green is someone who Dallas obviously believes in, as they just signed him to a big contract extension, but I wouldn't be shocked if the Mavs decide to move on. Teams were calling about Green this summer, but Dallas decided to keep the young guard rather than ship him elsewhere.

Dallas is trying to win right now, and if they can deal Green for someone who will help them become NBA Finals contenders, they should do it.

5. Jaden Hardy

The Dallas Mavericks struck gold in the 2022 NBA Draft when they traded into the second round to select Jaden Hardy. Hardy was the No. 1 player coming out of high school, but some concerns about his efficiency and finishing caused him to slip in the draft.

Hardy proved that he should have been a first-round pick as he averaged 8.8 points per game as a rookie and shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range. He showed promise that he would be a good piece for Dallas moving forward, and the Mavs refrained from trading him over the summer despite teams around the league's interest in him around the time of the draft.

Despite Hardy's great rookie season, he has taken a small step back this year. Hardy is averaging 7.0 points per game and is shooting 39.2 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from downtown. He hasn't improved as much as expected, and his efficiency has been concerning.

Hardy had a massive bounce-back game on Wednesday night against the LA Clippers as he scored 15 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. This is the type of production they need from him.

Hardy is someone I could see Dallas trading because of strong play from other guards around him and the necessity to win right now. Dallas could also wait to see if Hardy continues to develop, but he is someone who has not met expectations this season.

4. Tim Hardaway Jr.

All offseason long, Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. was in trade rumors. He didn't even know if he would be back this season, and there were even reports that Hardaway Jr. was "expected" to be traded.

Despite all of this, Hardaway Jr. remained in Dallas and is playing the best basketball we have seen from him since being a Maverick. Although his efficiency has gone down recently, Hardaway Jr. is shooting 36.2 percent from downtown and averaging 17.4 points per game.

He has solidified himself as one of the top candidates for Sixth Man of the Year and has been essential for Dallas' success early on. Should Dallas trade him at the deadline while his value is high, or should they keep him as he has been one of their best players?

This is one thing that most MFFLs disagree on and there's no right answer. Dallas could benefit from moving Hardaway Jr. for a 3-and-D wing or a backup big man, but can Jaden Hardy, Josh Green, and Seth Curry replace his production?

None of those players have played as well as Hardaway Jr. has, and moving him would be a tough decision. I don't think Hardaway Jr., Curry, Green, and Hardy will all be Mavs once the deadline passes, but trading Hardaway Jr. could cause a massive decline in bench scoring.

Hardaway Jr. has also finally been producing on defense this year as he has become the best charge-taker in the NBA. Losing him would be hard, but I doubt he is someone who is anywhere close to untouchable right now for Dallas.

3. Maxi Kleber

Maxi Kleber has built his career from the ground up in Dallas and is in the first year of his three-year, $33 million extension that he signed with the Mavericks before the 2022-23 season. Kleber was coming off an outstanding playoff run in which he helped the Mavs reach the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

He was someone who Dallas relied on for rim protection and 3-point shooting, but over the last year or so he has been injured several times. Kleber tore his hamstring during the middle of the season last season, and he hasn't been the same since. He is averaging just 3.4 points per game this season and has only played in five games due to a dislocated toe.

He has also not been anywhere close to the rim protector he once was, and it may be in Dallas' best interest to trade him. This doesn't mean that he can't improve and return to being a great player like he once was, but his regression is concerning.

He doesn't look like the player he once was and he doesn't provide the edge that he once did. Paying Kleber $11 million annually over the next couple of years is not ideal, and if they can get his contract off their books, they should.

If Dallas moves him, they need to receive another frontcourt player in return though. Kleber provides size, and that's something the Mavs don't have much of.

2. Seth Curry

The Dallas Mavericks signed Seth Curry on the first night of free agency, and seemingly everyone was talking about how he would be a perfect fit in Dallas.

Curry had already played for the Mavs in two previous stints and had already played with Luka Doncic. Him returning to Dallas didn't seem like it would be a massive adjustment, but he struggled to start the year off.

Curry scored a combined 17 points through his first eight games and was shooting 25 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from downtown. It wasn't the start that Mavs fans expected from him, but he has turned it around since.

Curry is averaging 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 39..8 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from downtown. He has been a reliable shooter as of late, but his minutes have heavily fluctuated.

Sometimes, Jason Kidd relies heavily on him off the bench, and other nights, Curry doesn't touch the floor. I don't think Dallas knows exactly what they want from Curry, and if they won't play Curry, another playoff team will.

Due to him making just $4 million annually, I could see a different contender calling the Mavs about Curry. Dallas already has so many guards, and I don't think losing Curry would be a massive blow.

1. Richaun Holmes

The Dallas Mavericks' trade for Richaun Holmes and the draft rights to Olivier-Maxence Prosper on 2023 NBA Draft night excited most Mavs fans, as Dallas had some frontcourt help and an underrated wing, but it seemed that Dallas was already trying to move one of those players right after they traded for him.

Dallas was in trade rumors on draft night surrounding Deandre Ayton, and Holmes was someone who was thrown into those talks. Holmes' role in Dallas has never been solidified since being with the team, and even after playing well in a couple of games, his minutes never increased much.

This season, Homes is averaging 2.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting a career-low 45.5 percent from the field. He has not been someone who Dallas relies on consistently and was a healthy scratch from the Mavs' first seven games.

Due to the fact that he hasn't been playing much, even during Dereck Lively II's absence, I'd be surprised if he is a Maverick after the deadline. He has a tradeable salary and could be moved to a team that would utilize his skillset.

It doesn't seem like the Mavs have him in their long-term plans, and getting his contract off their books would be a big win.

Dallas' next game is tonight against the Houston Rockets.

For all the latest on Richaun Holmes and the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.