Dallas Mavericks trade targets ranked from probable to pipe dream

2. Lauri Markkanen

Paring Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would break the internet, and the Dallas Mavericks could have reportedly made it happen a few years back.

There were some trade rumors swirling that the Mavs and Chicago Bulls were in talks for a move centered around Markkanen and Maxi Kleber, but the deal didn't end up happening. This is a move that Dallas likely wishes they took, as Markannen has turned into one of the best frontcourt players in the NBA at just 26 years old.

This season for the Utah Jazz, Markkanen is averaging 24.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. He is one of the most dynamic offensive-minded forwards in the NBA, and he would be a great fit next to Doncic and Irving.

He is a great shooter off the catch, a good isolation scorer when he needs to be, and an extremely underrated passer. Markkanen is also a 7-foot power forward and would give the Mavs some coveted positional size. Having him and Dereck Lively II down low would be massive, as they would have two 7-footers in the starting lineup.

The Mavs likely don't have the assets to make a Markannen trade happen, considering the Jazz would be asking for multiple first-round picks to get him, but he would be a dream addition to this team.