As February approaches, the Mavs' trade deadline plans should become clearer. We already know that this team is looking to get better and bigger, and their need to upgrade the winger is more than clear. Also, a backup big man can't hurt, as Richaun Holmes has been quite a disappointment.
Jason Kidd's team already has one of the best point guards in the league in Luka Doncic, and his 73-point performance once again proved that trading draft picks or whatever it takes to give him more help is worth it. He's a special talent, and they need to get the most out of him and Kyrie Irving.
Mavs trade deadline: What should Dallas do?
As of now, most of the Mavericks trade rumors involve defensive-minded players, and that's true. While this team feels quite comfortable playing in the 120 league and pushing the pace every possession, outpacing your opponents is not the wisest tactic in the playoffs, as other teams tend to make adjustments and take away some of your strengths in seven games. Game series.
With that in mind, we'll take a look at the five players who can definitely make a difference in Dallas, as they appear to be just one piece away from being a legitimate NBA Championship contender.
Dorian Finney Smith
Reuniting with Dorian Finney-Smith makes perfect sense for this team. They had no choice but to let him go when they wanted to acquire Kyrie Irving, a move they made every day of the week and twice on Sundays. But now that he's eligible to return, why not?
The Mavs desperately need someone who can guard multiple points and counter some attacks on the wing. Finney-Smith can do it at a high level while also being an underrated passer and low-maintenance guy on offense.
Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant could turn the Dallas Mavericks into legitimate championship contenders right away. He's exactly what they're craving on the wing right now, and he can also play some small-five ball for them in lineups featuring multiple shooters.
Grant can create his own shots and put up big numbers if given the opportunity, not to mention he's a solid defender as well. However, he makes a lot of money, and the Portland Trail Blazers still want him.
Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma has often been the butt of jokes around NBA Twitter, but that's not fair at all. Although his decision-making and shot selection have often been poor, he is a solid two-way player who can contribute to any championship caliber team.
Kuzma brings tournament experience. He can play both forward positions and some small fives, and is a much better defender than people give him credit for. It can be expensive and difficult to obtain.
P.J. Washington
The Charlotte Hornets have already begun a panic sale by parting ways with Terry Rozier, and they are rumored to be interested in trading Miles Bridges. They could also move or buy out both Gordon Hayward and Kyle Lowry.
The Mavs could look to make the most of this trade and pursue a promotion for Grant Williams in PJ Washington, a versatile defender and bruising rebounder with some upside and stretch potential.
Andrew Wiggins
Last but not least is Andrew Wiggins, whose trade value has dropped as he is in the midst of the worst season of his career. Ironically, this makes it the perfect time to try buying low and see if the new environment is what he needs to get back on track.
Wiggins was instrumental in the Golden State Warriors' last championship, proving he can be an elite defender and an absolute energy man on both ends of the cup.
