Rumors: Cavaliers star center receiving trade interest, are Mavericks involved?

The Dallas Mavericks are sitting at 16-10 and fifth in the Western Conference ahead of their matchup on Wednesday night against the LA Clippers.

Dallas is finding a way to win tough games even with several injuries, but the Mavericks need Dereck Lively II to return soon, as he has been huge for this team this season.

The Mavs are clearly much better when Lively II is on the floor, as they are 0-3 without him in the lineup. This team lacks defense in the frontcourt when Lively II is out, and they could look at the trade market to bolster their frontcourt.

Rumors: Cavaliers star center receiving trade interest, are Mavericks involved?

Dallas has already been in trade rumors for Isaiah Stewart, and another Eastern Conference big man could be on the move.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has "drawn plenty of interest from playoff contenders." The only team that Fischer listed was the Pelicans, but it would be no shock if Dallas was in the mix considering their obvious need for another rim protector.

Dallas has been in trade rumors for Allen as recently as this summer, and adding him to this squad would take the team to another level.

This season for the Cavs, Allen is averaging 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 67.2 percent from the field. He is a fearless rim protector and a great lob threat, making him a perfect fit in Dallas.

Lively II has thrived in the role of being a rim runner and defensive anchor and adding another player that can do this as well as he can in Allen could work wonders for this team. A potential trade for Allen would allow Dallas to always have a great rim protector on the floor and give Lively II a great example to play behind.

Landing Allen may be a tough accomplishment, as he still has two more seasons after this season on his contract, and it doesn't seem that the Cavs are pushing to trade him just yet.

He would be a great fit in Dallas, but we have to wait and see if the Mavs end up showing interest in him before the deadline.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.