Rumors: Mavericks' elite trade target 'expected' to be dealt before deadline

Injuries seem to be no problem for the Dallas Mavericks as they are on a two-game winning streak. The Mavs took down the Portland Trail Blazers 139-103 Friday, recording their second straight win against the Blazers.

All-Star Kyrie Irving recorded a near double-double, finishing the game with 24 points and nine rebounds. The Mavs' bench came in clutch again as the Dallas group recorded 64 points.

Dallas was without Luka Doncic, as he missed the game with swelling in his right ankle. Doncic, however, wasn't the only Mav to miss the game. Dereck Lively II, Markieff Morris, Grant Williams, Maxi Kleber, and Dante Exum all sat out with injuries. Richaun Holmes, too, missed the game due to personal reasons.

Rumors: Mavericks' elite trade target 'expected' to be dealt before deadline

So, it was a big deal when Dallas took down Portland with most of their big men out for the game. Dwight Powell and Olivier-Maxence Prosper were the only Mavs on Friday listed above 6-foot-7.

One solution to the problem though could be adding another big down low.

Pascal Siakam is one player that comes to mind for Dallas. The Toronto Raptors forward fits all the intangibles for the Mavs as he is a two-time All-Star and 2019 NBA Champion.

Reports come out this week that Toronto is expected to move on from Siakam.

Assuming the Raptors' forward does get traded, is it possible Dallas could get in the mix?

It's a possibility for sure.

Last month, rumors broke that the Mavs were likely to pursue Siakam. In the summer, it was reported that Dallas was one of six teams who called about Siakam's availability.

Earlier this week, The Smoking Cuban broke down what a Mavs' trade package for Siakam could look like. Dallas would package Tim Hardaway Jr., Jaden Hardy, Maxi Kleber, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and a second-round pick for the Raptors' star. It may take a little bit larger of a package than this, as Toronto would likely command a first-round pick, but these are some of the players who could be involved.

Trading for Siakam would provide tremendous opportunities for Dallas. For starters, he is a lengthy forward who excels inside the paint. Siakam does damage down low and is best known for creating his own shot.

Adding him to the roster would also give the Mavs another top-tier player. This season, he is posting averages of 22.4 points per game, 6.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Now, imagine his high scoring alongside Doncic and Irving.

Lastly, Siakam would give Dallas another body and defensive presence down low. He is a power forward who is interchangeable at the center position.

So, what is stopping Dallas from trading for Siakam? Could it be the asking price?

I guess we will have to wait and see what the Dallas Mavericks and Nico Harrison decide to do.

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