Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: 5 bold predictions for the 2023 Trade Deadline

Dallas Mavericks 2023 trade deadline bold prediction: 2. Find a center upgrade

The Mavs signed JaVale McGee this summer to be their starting center. They struggled on the glass and to protect the rim last season after trading Kristaps Porzingis to Washington, and Dallas viewed McGee as an answer. It only took a handful of games to determine that he was not, and McGee has been out of the rotation for most of the season.

The Mavericks have to find an answer. They are the worst rebounding team in the NBA, and their team has slipped to 23rd in defensive rating. Dallas needs someone that can play 20 to 25 quality minutes at the five. He must be a solid pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic and a strong rebounder and defensive anchor.

The Mavs trade for a big man on deadline day, and get Maxi Kleber back just after the All-Star break. Their defense trends towards the middle of the pack by season’s end as Luka Doncic wills his team to the postseason. Getting a quality rotation big man helps as Dallas makes their push.

For the second straight year, the Dallas Mavericks stand pat again on their biggest decision of the trade deadline, though.