Rumors: Dallas Mavericks show interest in trading for Raptors' elite defender

The Dallas Mavericks have been involved in more trade rumors than almost any team in the NBA, and their focus appears to be upgrading at the power forward or small forward position and upgrading their defense.

Most of Dallas' rumored interest on the trade market has been in forwards such as P.J. Washington or Andrew Wiggins, but they have also been interested in some defensive-minded guards such as Quentin Grimes.

Another defensive-minded guard/wing joined this list on Monday, as Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Mavs have shown interest in trading for Toronto Raptors guard/forward Bruce Brown.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks show interest in trading for Raptors' elite defender

Brown was dealt to the Raptors as part of the Pascal Siakam trade, and it seems like he could be heading elsewhere before the February 9 trade deadline rolls around.

This season, Brown is averaging 11.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from downtown. Brown's shooting numbers have regressed some this season, but his defense remains elite.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and having a 6-foot-9 wingspan with a solid frame, Brown is an extremely versatile defender who takes pride in locking down the other team's best player. He moves his feet well, can guard multiple positions, and does a great job at making every shot tough for his opponent.

Brown brings a level of physicality and intensity to the defensive end that the Mavs would likely love, but the Raptors are sometimes difficult to deal with on the trade market. They oftentimes demand large returns for their players, and the Mavs may not want to give up a young asset or draft capital to land him.

Dallas was a team that showed interest in Brown during his free agency last summer, but he signed with the Pacers on a two-year, $45 million contract with a team-option after the first year.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks and the trade rumors surrounding Bruce Brown, stay tuned.