5 Trade targets for the Dallas Mavericks that make sense, 5 that don't
The Dallas Mavericks must inevitably make a trade before the trade deadline. The team is 4-6 over their past 10 games (before Saturday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks). Some key losses included defeats to the struggling Los Angeles Lakers, top-seeded Eastern Conference team Boston Celtics, and the top team in the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The issue could be related to a variety of things. For starters, injuries are a concern. In 48 games, the team has been without numerous players for an extended period. For example, Kyrie Irving has missed 21 games this season, Maxi Kleber has been out 35 games, and Dante Exum has missed 16 games.
Other concerns can be connected to the power forward position. During the offseason, Dallas traded for Grant Williams as part of a three-team sign and trade. The team signed Williams to a four-year $53 million deal. Right off the bat, he started in 32 of the team's 44 games. He started well for the team, averaging 12.3 points per game and five rebounds in his first month with Dallas.
5 Trade targets for the Dallas Mavericks that make sense, 5 that don't
However, he has struggled since October. Last month, Williams averaged 7.9 points per game while shooting 32.8 percent from the 3-point line. This is a drop from November, where he was shooting 42.5 percent from downtown. Things did not improve in January.
It's no wonder Dallas is showing interest in a variety of forwards such as P.J. Washington, Kyle Kuzma, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jerami Grant.
So, which players make the most sense for Dallas? Could a non-forward be in the best interest of the team?
10. Makes sense: Kyle Kuzma
One player high on the Dallas Mavericks' radar is Kyle Kuzma. Dallas has shown interest in Kuzma over the past couple of weeks. It is also rumored that his trade value is expected to decrease in the coming days. So why not take a chance on him?
He is the exact player the Mavs need on their roster. Kevin Gray Jr. of 97.1 The Freak explained that Dallas believes they can help him grow on and off the floor. Not to mention, he is reportedly a big fan of Jason Kidd.
Since coming to Washington, his points production has increased, and so has his approach to the game. He has been a primary power forward for the Wizards. He is also a two-way player who isn't afraid to attack the rim but can also score from the outside. Kuzma can create his own shot, and his mid-range game has improved.
The Washington Wizards forward has been having a stellar season, averaging 22 points per game while grabbing 6.5 rebounds. He is his team's leading scorer and a solid star in the making. Adding him to the Mavs' roster would help boost the team's offense. Defensively, he would give the Mavs another body down low to contend at the forward spot.
Adding him to the roster just makes sense for Dallas.