Things are not going well for the Dallas Mavericks. They are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference, holding onto the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. After advancing to the Western Conference Finals last season, a 15-16 start isn’t what anyone in the organization thought would happen.
However, given how their offseason transpired, it isn’t too surprising that they have seen a regression. As one NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network put it, they lack that co-star for Luka Doncic on this roster.
“The Mavs still need to find that co-star. Jalen Brunson was growing into that, but he left basically as his breakout happened. They don’t have much for assets, so they aren’t going to be able to be too picky when it comes to that next big move.”
Jalen Brunson left in free agency, signing a deal with the New York Knicks to become their starting point guard. He has flourished and helped turn things around in the Big Apple, as the Knicks are riding an eight-game winning streak since suffering an embarrassing defeat to the Mavericks on December 3rd.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Kristaps Porzingis, who floundered as Doncic’s co-star, has also returned to his All-Star form with the Washington Wizards this season. He was traded ahead of the deadline as Dallas seemingly lost both Porzingis deals.
The front office needs to continue searching out upgrades for this roster around Doncic. He is an all-world talent, but he cannot do it himself, as he is already showing some wear and tear before Christmas. One player that the executive believes would be a fit is Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.
“Zach LaVine’s injury history likely gives any team some pause, but he’d be a great fit. He’s at his best behind the 3-point line or in the restricted area,” the executive explained. “That’s how the Mavs tend to operate outside with their approach offensively. He’d get the easiest shots he’s ever had next to Luka Doncic and could attack closeouts. The Mavs would have many options with putting him into half-court actions and playing through him as well.”
The Bulls have yet to blow things up, but it could be coming soon. They are going in the wrong direction in the Eastern Conference after going all-in during the 2021 off-season. Lonzo Ball’s injury has been difficult to overcome and the growing tension between LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the court makes it feel like a shakeup is inevitable.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If LaVine were to hit the market, there would be plenty of teams interested in acquiring him. The asking price is something that even the Mavericks may be able to meet in the opinion of the executive.
“It probably wouldn’t take an insane haul to get him, either,” the executive explained. “His contract has the potential to be one of the worst in the NBA in the future, though, but again, that’s partly why the trade possibility becomes more realistic for a team without great assets. The big question is, though, do the Bulls prefer trading with a team that may not have their first-round pick this year?”
Dallas’ first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is currently owned by the Knicks courtesy of the Porzingis trade. The only young asset that Dallas has is Josh Green, a first-round pick from the 2020 NBA Draft.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If Chicago is willing to view this as a salary dump, the Mavericks can be viewed as a realistic landing spot. But, if they are looking to get as much value as they can in exchange for a multi-time, 27-year-old All-Star, Dallas will be hard-pressed to make a competitive offer.
