Rumors: Mavericks and Bucks engage in talks for unexpected trade

The past few weeks have been crazy when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks and trade rumors, and they may need to make a move before Thursday's deadline if they want to stay afloat in the Western Conference.

The Mavs reportedly want to upgrade at the power forward position, as they have shown interest in several fours, including Kyle Kuzma and P.J. Washington, and another power forward joined this list on Monday.

According to a report by NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Mavs and Milwaukee Bucks have discussed a trade that involves swapping Bobby Portis for Grant Williams (subscription required).

Rumors: Mavericks and Bucks engage in talks for unexpected trade

This report goes along with Dallas' focus of upgrading at the four, but it involves them shipping away a player who they just acquired this summer in Williams. Although Williams had a great start to the season, he has cooled off as of late. He is averaging 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 37.3 percent from downtown.

His shooting slump over the last few months has been concerning, but should Dallas give up on him this quickly?

If the Mavs were to move him in a trade for Portis, they would be landing the better player of the two, but it could be a risky move. This season for the Bucks, Portis is averaging 12.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 38 percent from downtown. Portis is a better scorer and has been a better shooter than Williams this season, but the most intriguing parts about a trade for Portis are his rebounding and size.

Portis is a much better rebounder than Williams, and 6-foot-10 instead of 6-foot-6 is a massive difference. Dallas has been lacking positional size all season long, but they would be downgrading some defensively if they were to make this trade.

For all the latest on Grant Williams, the Dallas Mavericks, and their potential pursuit of a trade for Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks, stay tuned.