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.

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

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.

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.

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.

“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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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

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

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.

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