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Mavs Trade for Lakers’ Westbrook? Why It Makes Sense

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Mavs Trade for Lakers’ Westbrook? Why It Makes Sense


JAN 19 Why a Mavs commerce for Russell Westbrook is sensible…

The Dallas Mavericks are slumping exhausting, to place it properly. After Wednesday’s house loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas has dropped 4 of its final 5 video games and has given up no less than 130 factors over its present three-game shedding streak.

If the Western Convention wasn’t such a multitude this season, the Mavs can be in larger bother than they’re. Nevertheless, despite the fact that Dallas is barely hangin onto the fifth seed within the West regardless of all of the current shedding, adjustments are nonetheless wanted.

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The Mavs have been linked to many names on the commerce market because the Feb. 9 deadline nears, however may a deal for Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook take advantage of sense?

It has been well-documented that Jeanie Buss is not a fan of buying and selling future draft picks to enhance this present model of the Lakers, who at the moment sit outdoors the play-in match vary within the West with a 20-25 report. Nevertheless, if Buss can be prepared to half with simply one of many Lakers’ future picks, they might doubtlessly enhance their roster now.

For the Mavericks’ facet, including Westbrook won’t have an effect on successful or shedding both means, however they do nonetheless want a real third ball-handler to go alongside Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie. With that in thoughts, this is the commerce proposal we take into consideration:

Mavs obtain: Russell Westbrook, 2027 first-round decide

Lakers obtain: Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, Davis Bertans

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This commerce may doubtlessly make the Mavs worse for the short-term future, however there’s additionally an opportunity that it opens up extra profitable commerce alternatives going ahead. They’d simply need to abdomen taking a step again this season. In a yr the place a near-.500 report is nice sufficient to land you within the West’s top-five groups, that may be simpler mentioned than carried out, although.

JAN 18 Doncic desires change? Does potential Knicks commerce transfer the needle?

Forward of the Dallas Mavericks’ nationally televised assembly with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday evening, there have been a few attention-grabbing tidbits that got here up within the NBA commerce rumor mill. The primary attention-grabbing data got here from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who’s reporting that Mavs star Luka Doncic is lastly beginning to make his need for roster change recognized to the entrance workplace.

Sources mentioned Doncic, who hasn’t proven a want to be concerned in personnel issues prior to now, has strongly indicated he desires the Mavs to improve earlier than the Feb. 9 commerce deadline.

Mavs proprietor Mark Cuban would possibly suppose it is disrespectful for the fan base to continuously recommend that Doncic wants extra assist, however this newest report appears to point that Doncic is on the identical wavelength because the followers … and anybody else with eyes who’ve watched the Mavs play when Doncic rests.

Elsewhere, Marc Stein is reporting that the Mavs have joined a small checklist of groups who’re thought-about to be commerce suitors for New York Knicks ahead Cam Reddish.

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The Knicks have redoubled their efforts to discover a new house for Reddish with primarily three weeks to go till the deadline, sources inform The Stein Line, with the Dallas Mavericks having joined the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers on the checklist of recognized potential commerce companions.

Sources say that the Knicks, although, are angling for Dallas to ship Thibodeau favourite Reggie Bullock to New York in a Reddish deal, who’s likewise held in excessive regard by the Mavericks.

Provided that 1) Bullock has had a career-worst season up to now, and a couple of) the Mavs may use an inflow of younger expertise with upside, it might make sense for Dallas and New York to execute a commerce involving these two gamers – particularly because the Knicks have eyes for Bullock that different groups most likely do not.

That form of commerce could possibly be a step in the suitable path for Dallas, however it seemingly would not be roster improve Doncic has in thoughts. We’ll see if the Mavs’ entrance workplace can pull off an enormous commerce within the coming days and weeks to fulfill what its famous person wishes.

JAN 17 Clippers need Mike Conley? Jazz produce other commerce concepts?

Forward of the NBA’s Feb. 9 commerce deadline, it seems that the Utah Jazz are being energetic after tumbling from the highest of the Western Convention standings to the play-in match vary. In line with Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Clippers have curiosity in taking veteran level guard Mike Conley earlier than the deadline, if attainable.

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The Clippers, league sources say, are exploring commerce choices to fortify their frontcourt past Ivica Zubac, however that’s not all. Sources say in addition they have commerce curiosity in Utah’s Mike Conley Jr. amid a rising perception leaguewide that the Jazz — who’ve tumbled to No. 9 within the West at 22-24 after their nice begin — may turn out to be a much-needed vendor at this deadline. The Clippers’ backcourt depth simply took successful with the information that John Wall is out for no less than two weeks with an stomach pressure.

Other than the Conley rumbles, the Jazz look like energetic elsewhere, as they’re apparently looking for a method to land Atlanta Hawks ahead John Collins in what may doubtlessly be a three-team commerce between Utah, Atlanta and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stein explains:

As a part of the Cavaliers’ ongoing seek for wing upgrades, league sources say, they’ve weighed pursuing a three-way commerce state of affairs that may land Atlanta’s John Collins with the Jazz and convey Utah’s Malik Beasley to Cleveland. The Jazz have well-chronicled curiosity in Collins however, so far, have given the Hawks pause by searching for further draft compensation for taking up Collins, who nonetheless has three seasons left on his five-year, $125 million contract after this one. Caris LeVert’s $18.8 million expiring contract is the Cavaliers’ most evident commerce chip.

The Dallas Mavericks have been linked to the Cavs lately in commerce rumors concerning Tim Hardaway Jr. Solely time will inform if that form of deal will materialize, or if Cleveland finds a means so as to add a youthful wing improve on a greater contract as an alternative.

JAN 15 LaVine is commerce eligible; May Mavs and Bulls make a deal?

As of at the moment, Jan. 15, Chicago Bulls star taking pictures guard Zach LaVine is now eligible to be traded. The Bulls haven’t but made it recognized in the event that they’re open to buying and selling LaVine or not, however there’s been sufficient smoke this season to the purpose the place we wouldn’t be shocked if he’s sporting a special jersey by the NBA’s Feb. 9 commerce deadline.

A few of that smoke has concerned the Dallas Mavericks, who desperately need to get famous person Luka Doncic extra assist as they attempt to construct a championship-contending roster round him. In line with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon throughout an episode of the Lowe Publish podcast, there are folks inside the Mavs’ entrance workplace who’re followers of LaVine’s recreation.

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“I simply know that there are followers of him that maintain outstanding positions inside the Mavericks,” mentioned MacMahon. “Once more, I’m not sitting right here and telling you there’s some nice consensus. I feel there’s sufficient followers of him the place I wouldn’t completely rule it out.”

So long as Mavs 3-and-D wings Josh Inexperienced and Dorian Finney-Smith have been out, one would possibly entertain the idea that Dallas has been additional cautious with them with potential trades on the desk. That’s to not say Inexperienced and Finney-Smith haven’t actually been damage this entire time, however why rush them again in the event that they could possibly be key items to a blockbuster commerce?

Regardless of averaging 23.8 factors, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 46.4/39.2 taking pictures splits, LaVine and the Bulls have struggled to remain within the NBA’s play-in match vary. They’re at the moment 19-24 on the season and have misplaced three consecutive video games. It may be time for Chicago to blow issues up, and the Mavs will certainly be listening when and if that point comes.

JAN 14 May Mavs get D-Rose?

Ever since shedding Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks final summer time, the Dallas Mavericks have failed so as to add a 3rd ball-handler able to filling among the void that was created by his departure. Nevertheless, with the Feb. 9 commerce deadline looming, may Dallas lastly tackle that want by dealing for considered one of Brunson’s Knicks teammates?

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In line with a report from NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Knicks are apparently prepared to ‘do proper’ by 15-year veteran and former MVP Derrick Rose earlier than the deadline.

Sources say that New York is open to discovering a brand new house through commerce for former MVP Derrick Rose however provided that it will possibly, as one insider put it, “do proper by” the longtime Thibodeau favourite. Rose’s position has been lowered sharply this season with the likes of Quickley, Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride rising.

In principle, a technique for the Knicks to do Rose a strong can be to ship him to the Mavs, the place he would have a bigger position on a staff finishing for home-court benefit within the Western Convention. Provided that New York has fond recollections of Reggie Bullock, a straight-up swap for Rose would make sense for either side.

It stays to be seen if the Knicks’ willingness to do Rose a favor would trump any exhausting emotions they could have towards the Mavs after final summer time’s drama … however it’s one thing we’ll be keeping track of.

JAN 13 Collins value lowered; Mavs-Knicks commerce thought

Earlier this week, one report said that the Atlanta Hawks have been seeking to get a return much like what the Utah Jazz obtained for Rudy Gobert final summer time in terms of doubtlessly buying and selling John Collins. In line with a report from USA Right now on Friday, which may not be the case in spite of everything.

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The Hawks are prepared to maneuver ahead John Collins for a taking pictures huge, which is … what Collins is. Or was. Collins shot 40.1% on 3-pointers in 2019-20, 39.9% the next season and 36.4% final season. However he’s simply at 22.9% this season.

There’s a marketplace for Collins, and that features Utah, Brooklyn and Dallas.

If the Dallas Mavericks can’t come to phrases on a contract extension with versatile huge man Christian Wooden earlier than the Feb. 9 commerce deadline, maybe making a play for Collins would make some sense. 

Or … if the Mavs may discover a means so as to add Collins and one other piece from Atlanta — like Bogdan Bogdanovic — with out giving up Wooden, that may be much more supreme.

In the meantime, the reported commerce value for New York Knicks ahead Cam Reddish is seemingly two second-round picks. A straight-up commerce for Mavs ahead Reggie Bullock would work financially, and which may truly be a deal the Knicks can be all in favour of doing given coach Tom Thibodeau’s admiration for Bullock.

JAN 12 No Mavs curiosity in Myles Turner?

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Indiana Pacers heart Myles Turner has been in commerce rumors for a number of years now, however he has but to be shipped out of the Hoosier State

The Dallas native has been linked to the Mavericks prior to now however no deal ever surfaced to land him on his hometown staff.

In a report on Thursday from Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports activities, the Mavericks’ curiosity in Turner has apparently ‘dissipated’. 

“The commerce chatter surrounding Turner has certainly appeared to chill. For years, the Hornets introduced a probable touchdown spot. However now, Charlotte doesn’t seem very eager on upgrading its roster forward of the deadline. The curiosity from Dallas and New Orleans in current seasons has additionally dissipated, sources mentioned,” Fischer wrote.

With Dallas’ focus extra set on one other star or extra high quality playmakers to put alongside Luka Doncic, the will for Turner, who’s on an expiring contract, is sensible, however it does not imply he could not find yourself again within the DFW sooner or later.

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JAN 11 Tim Hardaway Jr. to Miami Warmth?

The Tim Hardaway Jr. rumors proceed to stack up with the Feb. 9 commerce deadline looming. Right now, the newest rumor involving the Dallas Mavericks’ veteran taking pictures guard hyperlinks him to the Miami Warmth.

“In line with a number of sources, the Miami Warmth & Dallas Mavericks have had preliminary conversations on a deal involving Tim Hardaway Jr.,” The Basement Sports activities’ Adam Borai tweeted.

“This is not the primary time Hardaway Jr has been linked to Miami. He is undoubtedly a reputation to look at because the deadline approaches.”

Borai additionally mentions that Miami has eyes for Mavs gamers like Reggie Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith. Provided that the Mavs have been runners as much as Kyle Lowry in 2021 free company, we may see them doubtlessly making an attempt to work out a deal to acquire him now regardless of his down season with Miami.

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Nevertheless, this all may simply be posturing and a leverage try in talks the Mavs have had with different groups involving Hardaway. As is the case with many rumors throughout commerce season, they must be taken with a grain of salt.

JAN 10 Hawks’ Steep Collins Worth; Lakers as Wooden Suitor?

In line with one report, the Hawks’ asking value for John Collins may be within the “Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell vary” from final summer time.

We mentioned the thought of the Mavs pursuing Collins if they’ll’t attain a contract extension settlement with Christian Wooden earlier than the commerce deadline, but when that’s actually the Hawk’s asking value, it’s protected to say that you could depend Dallas on the market.

Talking of Wooden’s contract extension, if an settlement can’t be made, may the Lakers be a commerce possibility for him? Sports activities Illustrated’s Howard Beck provides his ideas right here.

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JAN 10 Mavs Focused on Knicks’ Quickley?

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto dropped one other Mavs commerce rumor tidbit on Tuesday, as he linked Dallas to New York Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley.

“One other Knicks participant whose title has circulated within the rumor mill this season is Immanuel Quickley. A number of groups, together with the Bucks, Mavericks, Wizards, and others, have expressed curiosity in Quickley, league sources instructed HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.

JAN 9 Mavs 3-Crew Commerce Thought … May It Work?

Final week, Yahoo! Sports activities’ Jake Fischer reported that the Mavs, amongst different groups, have been in pursuit of Pistons’ veteran Bojan Bogdanovic.

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“At this juncture, the Pistons are searching for no less than one first-rounder and both a younger participant with upside or further draft capital, sources mentioned, plus Cleveland has firm in Dallas, Phoenix and the Lakers, amongst different groups in pursuit of Bogdanovic,” Fischer wrote.

Pairing this report with what we predict we learn about Tim Hardaway Jr.’s availability and the Cavs’ curiosity in him, we constructed a hypothetical 3-team commerce that might doubtlessly work for all groups concerned.

Mavs obtain: Bojan Bogdanovic

Cavs obtain: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Pistons obtain: Caris LeVert, Frank Ntilikina, two second-round picks

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JAN 8 Mavs’ Hardaway is Accessible; Cavs Pursuing?

We now have a number of experiences linking Mavs veteran Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Cavs. The primary was a report from Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. The most recent was from Marc Stein, who confirmed Fedor’s report and supplied an thought of what a possible Mavs-Cavs commerce may seem like.

“League sources have reaffirmed to me that Hardaway is certainly out there and that it’s primarily as much as the Cavaliers if they’re ready to tackle the 2 years and $34.1 million left on Hardaway’s contract past this season,” Stein wrote in his publication.

“Caris LeVert’s expiring $18.8 million contract is the best match for Hardaway, who has emerged from a really sluggish begin to shoot 40.5% from 3-point vary in 21 video games getting into Sunday’s play since Mavericks coach Jason Kidd moved him into the beginning lineup.”

JAN 5 Mavs Pegged as Potential Zach LaVine Suitor

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We already knew the Mavs had curiosity in Bulls star Zach LaVine within the offseason when NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote that Dallas was contemplating making a sign-and-trade supply earlier than he signed his new cope with Chicago.

Now, in keeping with a report from HoopsHype, it appears just like the Mavs could possibly be a participant for him on the commerce deadline.

“If the Chicago Bulls make Zach LaVine out there earlier than the commerce deadline, rival executives are keeping track of a number of groups who may have curiosity in buying and selling for him, together with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Warmth,” Michael Scotto wrote.


Need the newest in breaking information and insider data on the Dallas Mavericks? Click on Right here.

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Dallas, TX

2024 Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Preview

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2024 Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Preview


2023 Stats

Points per game: 29.9 (1st)
Total yards per game: 371.6 (5th)
Plays per game: 66.0 (3rd)
Pass Attempts + Sacks per game: 38.5 (9th)
Dropback EPA per play: (0.23 (2nd)
Rush attempts per game: (27.5 (14th)
Rush EPA per play: -0.06 (11th)

Coaching Staff

After spending much of the 2023 offseason touting a more run-heavy approach than they had in 2022, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy took over play-calling duties and led an offense that ranked fourth in neutral pass rate (61 percent) and 13th in early down pass rate (53 percent). Their three percent pass rate over expected was also good for fourth-highest behind only the Chiefs, Bengals, and Commanders.

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Despite criticizing former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for wanting to “light the scoreboard up,” McCarthy’s Cowboys led the league in points per game (29.9) last season and ranked fifth in yards per game (371.6). Reportedly set to go “all-in” to win in 2024, here’s how the Cowboys’ offense looks heading into this season.

Passing Game

QB: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush
WR: CeeDee Lamb, KaVontae Turpin
WR: Brandin Cooks, Jalen Brooks
WR: Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy
TE: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker

Fresh off a year in which he threw for 4,516-36-9, Dak Prescott is entering the final year of the four-year deal he signed in 2021. Despite Dak seemingly being interested in re-upping with the team under a new contract, owner Jerry Jones has been unwilling to commit to his star quarterback beyond this season. Prescott’s cap number for the season narrowly exceeds $55 million, which has proven to hamstring the team’s ability to add significant talent this offseason — more on that later.

Prescott finished second in MVP voting last season and was named a Second-team All-Pro for his efforts. His 36 touchdown passes led all quarterbacks and was second in both EPA per play (0.245) and EPA+CPOE composite (0.164) behind Brock Purdy. Prescott also finished in the top-10 in several other key metrics and was the overall QB5 in fantasy points per game.

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Rank
YPA 7.6 5th
COMP% 69.5 2nd
Big Time Throw % 6.0 T-1st
ADOT 8.4 11th
adjCOMP% 77.6 6th

Prescott did a good job at limiting turnovers after tying Josh Allen with 15 interceptions in 2022, helping to lead the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Divisional round.

Another player searching for a new deal is CeeDee Lamb, who is currently set to play out this season on a fifth-year club option worth $17.991 million. Lamb ran wild on the league last season, catching a league-high 135 passes on 181 targets — also tops in the league — while finishing second in receiving yards (1,749) and touchdowns (12). Amongst receivers who saw 50 or more targets, Lamb also ranked fourth in TPRR (0.30) and team target share (29.2 percent) and was the first read on 145 of his targets per FantasyPoints.com — which ranked third highest.

An elite receiving option in every sense of the word, the Cowboys did not add a player of note who should threaten Lamb for targets in 2024. He remains a high-end option at receiver across all formats and has the profile to finish as the overall WR1 in fantasy this season.

Third-year tight end Jake Ferguson is arguably Lamb’s biggest threat, but the two co-existed nicely last season. In his first full season as a starter, Ferguson broke out for 71-761-5 and ran a route on 72.5 percent of the Cowboys’ dropbacks — good for 10th best amongst tight ends. There are some concerns that come with Ferguson this season, namely his 0.20 TPRR and 15.8 percent target share. Both numbers ranked outside the top-10 at the tight end position last season, with his TPRR ranking 15th alongside Dallas Goedert, Jonnu Smith, and Kyle Pitts. Despite these numbers, Ferguson still finished as the overall TE10 in fantasy points per game and finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end in 59 percent of his games played last season. In seven games, he scored 12 or more PPR points.

Ferguson should continue to benefit from playing with Prescott. Since 2020, Prescott has targeted tight ends on 19.6 percent of his pass attempts per PFF, which ranks 13th amongst 32 quarterbacks (minimum 1,000 pass attempts).

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Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks returns to the Cowboys for his second season with the team. Last year, Cooks caught 54 passes for 657 yards and eight touchdowns — his most since 2016. Far from the explosive playmaker he once was, Cooks provides the Cowboys with reliable hands on the outside but had a meager 0.16 TPRR — his lowest mark since 2019. After a slow start to the season in which he never scored more than 6.7 PPR points through the first five weeks, Cooks went on to finish as a top-24 PPR receiver in just 50 percent of his games from Weeks 6-18 and profiles as a WR3 with some weekly WR2 upside this season.

Third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert is expected to make a significant push for playing time in training camp and will face competition from second-year receiver Jalen Brooks and rookie Ryan Flournoy. Tolbert has caught 24 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns in his career and shouldn’t be counted on in seasonal leagues outside of best ball leagues, where he’s an intriguing late-round dart throw.

Running Game

RB: Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman
OL (L-R): Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Brock Hoffman, Zack Martin, Terence Steele

The current makeup of the Cowboys’ backfield seriously challenges the notion that the team is “all-in” to win this season. Gone is Tony Pollard, who signed with the Titans earlier this offseason, and back in the fold is Ezekiel Elliott, who will turn 29 at the end of July.

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The Cowboys made the correct decision in cutting Elliott last offseason, allowing him to slog his way to 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns (3.8 YPC) with the Patriots. However, after a season in which their running backs had the fourth-lowest touchdown rate (25 percent) on rush attempts inside their opponents’ five-yard line, the Cowboys decided to reunite with Zeke in hopes of converting more scoring opportunities in the “green zone.”

Elliott ran the ultimate PPR scam during the second half of last season when he caught 38 passes in his last nine games — the second-most receptions of any running back over that span and three more catches than Christian McCaffrey. Fantasy managers chasing that production would be wise to reconsider, as the Cowboys’ offense has far more weapons in the passing game than the Patriots did last season.

When it comes to his efficiency (or lack thereof) on the ground, Elliott was about what we expected. In addition to averaging 3.8 YPC, Elliott ranked 41st amongst 49 running backs in RYOE per NFL Next Gen Stats and ranked 37th in rushing success rate at 45.1 percent. Elliott forced a missed tackle on just 12 percent of his attempts, which ranks 45th amongst 49 running backs (min. 100 carries) per FantasyPoints.com. Assuming he doesn’t repeat with another 50-catch campaign, it’s hard to get excited about what Zeke has to offer in 2024. With that said, the Cowboys have few options to consider behind him. If he secures the RB1 role out of camp, the volume, coupled with a valuable goal-line role, could prove enough to make Zeke a top-24 back in PPR leagues.

Last year’s RB2, Rico Dowdle, is expected to challenge Elliott for touches and could emerge as a value late in fantasy drafts. Far from a high-end back, it’s hard to argue against the idea of Dowdle being the best back on the Cowboys this season. Dowdle, 26, rushed for 89-361-2 last season (4.1 YPC) while adding 17 receptions for 144 yards and two scores. Dowdle averaged 4.8 yards per touch, proving to be little more than an average back when it came to evading tackles and creating yards after contact. He forced a missed tackle on just 15 percent of his carries and averaged 2.91 YCO/ATT.

Deuce Vaughn, who flashed at times last year in the preseason, could emerge as a darkhorse for touches in this underwhelming backfield, but the 5-foot-5, 176-pound back averaged just 1.7 YPC on 23 rush attempts and looked nothing like the player his most die-hard truthers touted him as all offseason. Vaughn doesn’t have the size to operate as a between-the-tackles grinder and is well off the fantasy radar at this time.

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Win Totals

The fine folks at DraftKings Sportsbook have the current over/under win total for the Cowboys set at 10.5 wins. Double-digit wins feel within reach for a team coming off a 12-win season, and the Cowboys are also set to return several key players on both sides of the ball. With that said, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who led a top-five unit last season, is now in Washington, and the Eagles remain a legitimate threat to win the NFC East. Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis ranks the Cowboys as having the 11th toughest schedule this season based on opponents’ projected Vegas win totals, which could make picking this over a risky proposition.





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Dallas Mavericks Quiet On First Day of NBA Draft, Pick 58th Overall On Day Two

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Dallas Mavericks Quiet On First Day of NBA Draft, Pick 58th Overall On Day Two


The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2024 NBA Draft with no first-round picks but with some possible trades being circulated. They left the first round standing pat, not making a single move on Wednesday night. They currently hold the 58th overall pick, which is the last pick of the draft due to a few teams having picks removed due to tampering violations.

Because the NBA wanted more eyes on the NBA Draft, they split the two rounds into separate days, so the second round will take place Thursday afternoon, starting at 3 p.m. CST. We’ll have an article discussing possible options for the Mavs at pick No. 58 here on MavericksGameday.com.

READ MORE: The Brooklyn Nets Could Have a Fire Sale, Who Could The Dallas Mavericks Trade For?

While there wasn’t much expectation the Mavs would trade into the first round, there were possibilities of moving off the Tim Hardaway Jr. or making a splash move for Portland’s Jerami Grant or Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson. Portland already made one big trade, acquiring Deni Avdija from Washington, and could make more moves soon. The Hardaway trade is likelier to happen on Thursday if they attach the 58th overall pick to his contract and possibly move into Detroit’s 53rd overall pick.

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Nico Harrison, General Manager for the Dallas Mavericks, has not been shy about making draft-day trades in his tenure, making multiple moves last year to acquire Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and trading down in his first draft to acquire Jaden Hardy. It’s unlikely they find a player that can contribute with the last pick of the draft on Thursday, but if they can use it to move off a salary, that’s good enough in what is considered to be a weak draft class.

READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Nominated for ESPY’s Best NBA Player of the Year Award



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Why FC Cincinnati has to make a deal with FC Dallas to potentially get Weston McKennie

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Why FC Cincinnati has to make a deal with FC Dallas to potentially get Weston McKennie


Photo via FC Dallas

For most FC Dallas fans, losing out on former Academy player Weston McKennie was always seen as a major blow to the club. The two sides never got on the same page about a Homegrown deal in 2016 when the midfielder turned 18 and opted to go to German’s Schalke instead.

McKennie has continued to some success in Europe, having spent several years with Schalke and, more recently, with Juventus in Italy.

But it appears that his time in Italy is coming to an end. His new manager, Thiago Matta, told him he ‘doesn’t plan to rely on his services’ for the 2024-25 campaign, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

There are reports that McKennie could be returning to America with FC Cincinnati. The Ohio-based club is looking to make an incredibly ambitious offer to Juventus to secure the US national team player.

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Even if Cincinnati is able to make their offer work for McKennie, they will have to secure one small thing first: his MLS player rights from FC Dallas.

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, per the league’s rules, since FC Dallas made a Homegrown offer to McKennie back in 2016, they have retained his MLS rights and will have to be compensated as a result.

This likely means that FC Dallas will secure some general allocation money, or GAM, as a result of any potential transfer for McKennie.

The sum of that will be very interesting to sort out. Some of the higher player’s rights trades in MLS history include D.C. United acquired (now current FC Dallas midfielder) Paul Arriola’s rights from the LA Galaxy in 2017 for $300k in GAM as well as $200k in TAM (targeted allocation money).

First of all, MLS player’s rights are a really dumb thing that teams are still trading around in 2024. But for these purposes, we’ll play the part. Some may recall that when FC Dallas signed Petar Musa earlier this year, they had to send some GAM over to New England for his discovery rights. So, it is kind of along those lines here with this.

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Secondly, I think it would be a massive shame that FC Dallas isn’t at the table to discuss trying to bring McKennie home as a player. I get the potential transfer money, which would be tough for the Hunts to get behind after shelling out nearly $10 million earlier this year for Musa. As of this writing, we don’t know what Cincinnati is preparing to offer Juventus for McKennie, but seeing as how they paid a reported $22 million for the Little Elm native back in 2011, it may be a pretty high fee for any MLS side to do.

Lastly, as much as I would love to see a player like McKennie in MLS these days, I don’t think his time in Europe is complete. Personally, I would love to see him go back to Germany or maybe even France for a couple of seasons before returning to America. I always assumed a guy like him would make his way to MLS after the 2026 World Cup. That timing makes more sense than in 2024.



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