The Dallas Mavericks have put together a strong 2021-22 NBA campaign that features ranking fifth in the Western Conference standings as the trade deadline nears. Could they look to make a move in order to add another key piece next to Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis?
There’s been mention of various names like CJ McCollum, Myles Turner, and John Collins that have reportedly piqued the Mavericks’ interests at times. Of course, the thought from Dallas that now they have an elite defense coupled with Turner’s foot injury has taken them out of the market for him.
For McCollum and Collin, however, the Mavericks have continued to be linked to both players as the NBA trade deadline continues to approach. Dallas does have their sights set on a particular type of player, however.
According to Matt Moore of Action Network, the Dallas Mavericks previously had shopped for a center but are instead seeking a stretch-four to play alongside Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt. Those efforts have included talks for John Collins and Pascal Siakam.
The Dallas Mavericks were shopping for a center for much of the season, but have shifted in recent days to pursuing a power forward. Kristaps Porzingis’ revival this season has made Dallas focus on a stretch four to play next to Porzingis. They’ve re-entered the talks for Collins and have made calls about Siakam.
The poor perimeter shooting results that Porzingis has achieved this season makes it challenging for him to play long stretches at the four spot. Especially when considering the significant drop in foot speed when he shares the floor with a big man. Pursuing a stretch-four would make sense and they have a $10.9M TPE to use.
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The Mavericks have been unwilling to part with Jalen Brunson or Dorian Finney-Smith in trade talks, both of whom will be free agents in the offseason. Dallas wants to re-sign both players, even if it will come at a premium.
There are genuine limitations to what the Mavericks can offer in trade talks given they lack much for young talent to offer, and are restricted on sending out any first-round picks before 2025 until their 2023 first-round pick owned by the New York Knicks conveys.
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It will be interesting to see if the Dallas Mavericks can manage to pull of a meaningful move to add talent around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis prior to the NBA trade deadline. Goran Dragic has been a name to watch as a potential buyout option for them in the event a trade were to not end up getting done.
