Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in D’Angelo Russell trade

The Dallas Mavericks are eager to upgrade their roster around Luka Doncic before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. They would love to add a second star, but the Mavs have limited trade assets. Dallas will likely try to fill their need for another playmaker and an upgrade at the five over the next two weeks if they can do so without trading a first-round pick.

General manager Nico Harrison is not afraid to make a splash, and he will certainly be looking to buy low on a player who is not working out in their current situation. He did that last year when he acquired Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans from the Wizards for Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick. Could Harrison and the Mavs pull off a similar move this season?

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus dropped the latest rumors about guards on Jan. 25 where he mentioned the Mavericks as a team with interest in D’Angelo Russell. The Wolves guard can become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and he is unlikely to be back in Minnesota. Could Dallas capitalize?

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in D’Angelo Russell trade

Several contenders will be interested in the All-Star point guard if he hits the trade market. He is averaging 17.6 points, 6.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 32.7 minutes per game this season. Russell is shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 38.3 percent on his 3-point tries, and 87.3 percent from the foul line, which are significantly above his career averages, but the Timberwolves are a disappointing 25-25 and sit tied for eighth in the Western Conference on the morning of Jan. 26.

Minnesota sent out massive capital to acquire Rudy Gobert, so they cannot afford to let D’Lo walk in free agency. The Timberwolves must recoup some value if they do not plan on re-signing him. Expect them to ask for a young player and a first-round pick in return for the 26-year-old former All-Star.

The Dallas Mavericks are unlikely to win the bidding war to acquire D’Angelo Russell, and his defense could be problematic next to Luka Doncic. Acquiring him would improve the team short-term, but it could ruin their chances at putting a legitimate second star next to number 77.

Trading for D’Angelo Russell would be a massive gamble for the Mavs. Do they do it, in hopes of it paying off? Stay tuned for all the latest.