Mavericks' No. 1 trade priority becomes abundantly clear after nasty injury

The Dallas Mavericks started their seven-game home stand last night in a bounce-back spot against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a dominant game for the Mavericks, as they got up early and never looked back.

After battling injuries all season, this team is excited to get a few guys back and play with a healthy lineup. Finally, Kyrie Irving, and Josh Green returning from injury, gave everyone a glimpse of what's to be.

Unfortunately, shortly after the start of the second half, a collision between Dereck Lively II and fellow rookie Scoot Henderson ended Lively II's night against Portland.

Mavericks' No. 1 trade priority becomes abundantly clear after nasty injury

Dereck Lively II suffered a left ankle sprain and missed four games last month due to spraining the same ankle. This was an absolute gut punch to the Mavericks after overcoming the previous injuries.

The difference and impact Lively II brings to the floor and the team is unique. His production is irreplaceable with the current bigs and anytime he goes down, the flaws and weaknesses of this Mavericks team shine bright.

With the NBA trade deadline approaching quickly, it's obvious the Mavericks need to make a trade for a big. The lack of production when even one of these guys is out is huge, and if the team wants to make a run a trade for big man needs to happen.

The Mavericks' depth has been getting attacked for weeks, and unfortunately, it happened again last night as Grant Williams also got plagued with an ankle injury.

Both Williams and Lively II bring a paint presence on either side of the floor, and with Maxi Kleber currently still out the Mavs frontcourt will be very thin. These injuries make it clear the team's trade priority should be adding more depth to the backline, and strengthening our rebounding and paint protection.

Dallas has already been linked in trade rumors for frontcourt players Isaiah Stewart and Pascal Siakam, and only time will tell if Dallas decides to make a move for one of them.

Dereck Lively II is a vital piece to this Mavericks team, and fans will be eager for his return.

Fans hope that everyone else can stay healthy until then. Stay tuned for more updates on Dereck Lively II, Grant Williams, and the Dallas Mavericks.