Rumors: Mavericks believe Raptors star is 'missing piece' for team

The Dallas Mavericks have gone 4-1 over their past five games. Some key wins include beating the one-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves and the Jalen Brunson-led New York Knicks without star Luka Doncic.

The Mavs have scored 120 points or more in three of their past five games. Kyrie Irving is the star attraction, averaging 29.8 points per game this month. He had his best game Thursday against New York when he dropped in a double-double with 44 points and 10 rebounds.

However, even with the success, the team is far from perfect. Dallas has been outrebounded and out-bodied in four of their past five games. Against the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday, the Mavs gave up 56 points inside the paint. In that same game, Dallas allowed Memphis to outrebound them by 21.

Rumors: Mavericks believe Raptors star is 'missing piece' for team

So, what seems to be the problem? Well, for starters, the team needs another big man down low.

Last week, NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavs want to improve their power forward position.

One player who could solve the Mavs' woes and be their missing forward spot is Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam. The Toronto forward is a highly coveted player.

Last month, Dallas was rumored to be pursuing Siakam. The team's interest in Siakam dates back to the summer when the Mavs called the Raptors about their star player.

However, this time, the Mavs' trade interest in Siakam could be at an all-time high. NBA reporter Jake Fisher recently spoke about Dallas's connection to the forward on the "Locked On Mavericks" Podcast. He discussed what a Siakam trade could do for the team.

"I know there are absolutely people in Dallas who really think Pascal [Siakam] is a missing piece that could potentially pair with Luka [Doncic] and Kyrie Irving and all of a sudden you look up and the Mavericks off are a legitimate contender in the West. "

- Jake Fisher

This shows that some people from the Mavericks organization really believe in the potential Dallas trio. Here's what this potent trio would look like.

Well, for starters, it would give Dallas one of the top offenses in the league. Siakam is a rising forward who averages 22.2 points per game while shooting above 52.5 percent. On the other hand, Irving is averaging 29.8 points per game during January. He is also knocking down 53.5 percent of his attempted 3-pointers this month. As for Luka, he is scoring 33.6 points per game and is a top-five MVP candidate.

Siakam could also help a Mavs team that attempts 40.7 3-pointers a game, as he is shooting 61.1 percent from behind the arc this month.

Although his hot hand from behind the arc would help, Siakam is a 6-foot-8 forward who is interchangeable at the center spot. He does a great job using his body to create his shot. He excels in the pick and roll as he can roll all the way to the rim or pop out for a jumper.

Defensively, he excels in off-ball situations. Siakam does an excellent job forcing his opponents to take wild shots due to his length.

So, its no doubt Siakam is the missing piece for Dallas. He fits many of the missing pieces for the team.

Dallas must answer the question: how much are they willing to give up for the 2019 NBA Champion?

Until then, stay tuned for all the latest trade rumors surrounding the Dallas Mavericks.