Rumors: Mavericks believe they can keep Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith

The Dallas Mavericks are facing some massive decisions that will alter the course of their franchise. Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith are both set to become unrestricted free agents in the offseason, and the Mavs will need to go into the luxury tax to re-sign both players.

Rumors suggest the Mavericks are exploring the trade market. Brunson is searching for a four-year deal worth $80 million in free agency, and Luka Doncic’s max extension kicks in this summer. Rival teams believe Dallas will trade either JB or Doe-Doe before Feb. 10.

Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer dropped the latest rumors on Jan. 27, and it featured plenty about the Mavericks. He noted Dallas is confident that they will be able to keep both Finney-Smith and Brunson long-term. Here is a look at the latest.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks believe they can keep Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith

The Knicks have been rumored to be the top suitor for Brunson, and Fischer noted that again on Thursday. He also dropped the rumor that Finney-Smith will be searching for $15 million per season in free agency.

The Mavs need to clean up their cap sheet if they are going to keep both Brunson and Finney-Smith. Can Dallas find a suitor willing to trade for Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, Reggie Bullock, or Trey Burke? Will JB or Doe-Doe be willing to take a team-friendly deal given the lack of cap space around the league this offseason?

There should be no pressure for Dallas to deal either player before the Feb. 10 deadline. The lack of cap space around the league makes a sign-and-trade the most likely avenue for either player to depart. The Mavericks are going to get something back in return if Jalen Brunson or Dorian Finney-Smith decides to move on in the offseason, but Dallas wants to maximize that value.

Trade rumors are just heating up, and the Dallas Mavericks figure to be active and aggressive heading into the deadline. They have won 12 of the last 15 games, and are just starting to play their best basketball. Fans should stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, rumors, and analysis.