Ranking every Dallas Mavericks player by trade likelihood

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.