Update on Pascal Siakam trade rumors may scare the Dallas Mavericks away

On Monday, the Dallas Mavericks closed out their seven-game home stand with a convincing win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Mavericks welcomed back rookie center Dereck Lively II for the first time since his January 3 ankle sprain.

Lively II made an immediate impact with his seven offensive rebounds. Despite missing the last five games, the Mavericks played their best stretch of basketball with their rookie center out. The Mavs went 3-2 in Lively II's time out. They were previously 1-4 without him.

Along with Lively II, guards Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. set a franchise record themselves. The two combined for 83 points and became just the second Mavericks duo to record two 40-point games in the same night. Both were electric, but conversations have started amongst Mavs fans about whether Hardaway Jr. is tradable now.

Update on Pascal Siakam trade rumors may scare the Dallas Mavericks away

After a compelling stretch of games, the Mavericks must ride this wave and make a big-time splash before the February 8 trade deadline. However, one trade target could be off the Mavericks' board after his recent comments.

On Monday's Locked On NBA Podcast, Matt Moore of Action Network made comments about Pascal Siakam's future if he were to be traded. The former NBA Champion and two-time All-Star is reported to want to test the waters of free agency this coming offseason, not committing to re-sign with whoever trades for him.

"He will not give a verbal commitment whatsoever… with the Pacers, the Hawks, the Kings, the Warriors or any other team that trades for him. He wants to test out free agency."

- Matt Moore

Siakam would be the perfect fit in Dallas, and the Mavs have already shown interest in him.

Alongside Luka Doncic and Irving, Siakam would be the ideal third star and do everything the Mavericks need. Siakam's shot creation and floor spacing would be showcased on full display, but after his recent rumored comments about not committing to re-sign wherever he is traded, the Mavericks may think twice before entering trade talks with Toronto.

The Mavericks may prioritize their future over a win-now move, and trading for Siakam would be a huge gamble. If Siakam were to re-sign, then this would be a genius move by Nico Harrison and Mark Cuban. However, it looks unlikely the eight-year veteran will re-sign wherever he is traded unless it is on the rumored max contract that he desires.

On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks will take on the Los Angeles Lakers for their first road game in over two weeks. For more updates on Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in.