Rumors: Mavericks show 'strong interest' in complex trade for defensive ace

The Dallas Mavericks finally got back on track on Friday night with an intense win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and fans' panic went on pause for a moment, as Kyrie Irving returned after missing one game due to the maintenance of his back injury.

Irving excelled against the Thunder, as he finished with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal, and his presence was desperately missed by Dallas. Despite Irving making his return, the Mavs lost Jaden Hardy and Dwight Powell due to different injuries, and their depth is being stretched to the brim.

They can't catch a break with these nonstop injuries, and along with these injuries, some rumors are starting to float in about the team ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. Dallas is looking to add frontcourt depth, specifically a defensive-minded wing, and one of their top targets appears to be one of the best all-around defenders in the world.

Mavs show significant interest in a trade for Herbert Jones

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas has "strong interest" in Herbert Jones (subscription required) of the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Mavericks making a trade for Jones is a move that fans have been begging for ever since the start of the season. Jones would fix all of Dallas' perimeter defense issues, and he would immediately become the best defender on the team.

Despite the prominent interest from Dallas' end, Stein also added that the Pelicans continue to "consistently discourag(e) trade interest" from teams who are interested in Jones. He is clearly one of the most sought-after wings in the NBA, and the Pelicans may not budge when it comes to potential trades for their defensive star.

It also doesn't help the Mavs' case that Jones is currently out indefinitely with a torn labrum in his right shoulder (his non-shooting arm). It remains unclear when Jones will return to the hardwood this season, but if Nico Harrison and company are confident that he will be an outstanding fit in Dallas, they could decide to make a move for him, even if that means he doesn't get to play much in the regular season.

A trade for Jones would be difficult for Dallas due to his injury situation combined with the Pelicans not looking to trade him, but he would fill a major hole for the Mavericks and likely become the team's starting wing next to Luka Doncic and Irving immediately to form an ultimate starting five. This is a spot that has been held by Klay Thompson for the entire season, but the addition of Jones would be too exciting and intriguing to keep him on the bench.

He is truly one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, as exemplified by him coming in fifth place for Defensive Player of the Year last season, and Dallas hasn't had a top-tier wing defender like Jones for some time. These types of players are needed once the playoffs hit, and Jones would bring an entirely new energy and vibe to the starting unit due to his dominance on the defensive end.

This season for New Orleans, Jones is averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from downtown, and a trade from the Pelicans to the Mavericks would allow him to play for a contender for the first time in his career. He has played in New Orleans for his entire NBA journey thus far, and him moving from the Pelicans to the Mavericks could be the perfect move for him to reach his full potential on both ends, and playing next to Doncic and Irving could help him become a more efficient 3-point shooter again.

Outside of Jones' elite 3-and-D ability, one of the most attractive parts about him is his contract. He is in year one of a four-year, $54 million deal, and this is undoubtedly on one of the best-value deals in the league. Making a trade for Jones would allow him to be a franchise cornerstone alongside Doncic, Irving, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II, and he would give the Mavs someone who is ready to be an elite role player now, but also someone whose prime is still unseen.