After making a run to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled to replicate that level of success this season. Many people believed they had one of the worst offseason in the NBA, and based on how things have gone thus far, it would be hard to argue against that.
The Mavericks lost point guard Jalen Brunson in free agency, as he signed a deal to become the starting point guard for the New York Knicks and is thriving. The acquisition of JaVale McGee has been as big of a bust as mostly everyone thought it would be when it was announced, and Christian Wood is relegated to the bench, unable to make as much of an impact as he is capable of.
At 14-15, the Mavericks are a team that has to make some moves. They have one of the best players in the world, Luka Doncic, leading the way, but the supporting cast around him needs improvement. The loss of Brunson has been a big one, and Kristaps Porzingis, who was traded to the Washington Wizards ahead of the 2022 deadline, looks like the kind of player Dallas had hoped he would be.
Finding a co-star for Doncic is not easy given how ball dominant he is. Surrounding him with 3-point shooters and defenders led to success last season, but it’s clear he needs someone to take the load off of him at times, which Brunson did last season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
That is why a player such as Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls could be an ideal target for the Mavericks. The Bulls could be staring down a rebuild of sorts as they are going nowhere fast in the Eastern Conference at 11-16. LaVine will draw a lot of interest if they opt to blow it up.
With experience as the go-to player offensively, LaVine would be more than capable of taking some of the pressure off of Doncic to carry the team, which is already wearing on him this season. LaVine’s efficiency is down this season, but we have seen what he can do with back-to-back All-Star appearances.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
LaVine would provide Dallas with another ball handler, something they desperately need as Frank Ntilikina isn’t panning out, and that would be asking a lot from Kemba Walker. However, it is fair to question if the Mavericks have the assets to make a competitive package for LaVine, who isn’t going to be given away for free and will have plenty of suitors.
