Rumors: Dallas Mavericks eyeing shot-blocking center via three-team blockbuster trade

The Dallas Mavericks still don't have a true starting center.

The centers on their current roster include Dwight Powell, Richaun Holmes, Dereck Lively II, and JaVale McGee (even though he'll be traded or waived eventually). Even though Holmes could end up being a great starting center (if Powell doesn't start, but that seems probable), the Mavs still seem to be looking to upgrade at center.

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are hoping the Pascal Siakam trade goes a certain way so the Mavs can hop in and grab a new starting center (subscription required).

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks eyeing shot-blocking center via three-team blockbuster trade

Stein said, "You can safely presume that the Dallas Mavericks are rooting for Atlanta to win the trade race for Toronto's Siakam ... and that they’re also hoping such a trade features Hawks center Clint Capela."

Dallas wants Atlanta to trade for Siakam because they could then join the trade and try to get Clint Capela. The Raptors don't need a new starting center, and it makes most sense for a third team to join the trade and grab Capela.

It sounds like that team could end up being the Mavericks. The Mavs were a team that tried to trade for Capela around the time of the draft, and it seems they could engage in these talks again.

Capela averaged 12.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game last season for the Hawks. He is a great rebounder and defender and would be the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks have been looking for a center who can protect the rim and catch lobs, and likely thought McGee would do that for them last season, but he was nearly unplayable.

Dallas has also been linked to a team that has called about Siakam, but it looks like they'll be a third team rather than being the team that lands him. Getting involved and landing a player like Capela would be huge for the Mavericks. They've needed a big man like Capela for a while, and he would be the best center that Doncic has ever played with.

Stay tuned to see if the Mavericks can get involved in a three-team blockbuster trade that includes Pascal Siakam going to the Hawks while the Mavs land Clint Capela. We'll have you covered if this trade happens, along with all other news surrounding the team.