Luka Needs Support! Mavericks NBA Trade Deadline Needs & 4 Targets
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
Potential Target #4: BKN Dorian Finney-Smith
2023-24 Stats: 9.1 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.6 BPG
Sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-29 record, the Brooklyn Nets are expected to be sellers at the deadline. One name reportedly drawing interest from several teams is former Maverick Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith spent the first six and a half years of his career with the Mavs before he was dealt to Brooklyn just before last year's deadline as part of the Kyrie Irving blockbuster. Strong defensively with an ability to space the floor, a potential reunion would make sense for both sides.
Team Needs: Power Forward
If the Dallas Mavericks (27-23) are looking to cement themselves as title contenders, then an upgrade at power forward is priority one. Grant Williams, who signed a four-year, $54 million contract in the offseason, has been a disappointment and was moved to a bench role after starting the first 26 games. Derrick Jones Jr. has since replaced Williams at the four, and although the former is enjoying a career year, he is best utilized at the small forward position. While potential PF options are limited, a few names could be available with Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching.
Potential Target #1: WSH Kyle Kuzma
2023-24 Stats: 21.8 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 4.3 APG | 0.4 SPG | 0.6 BPGThe Wizards' Kyle Kuzma is undoubtedly the top power forward on the trade block. Washington is in full-on rebuild mode and reportedly wants two first-round picks for the 28-year-old. Under NBA rules, Dallas can only offer its 2027 first-round selection, but adding some combination of youngsters Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, or 2024 first-rounder Olivier-Maxence Prosper as part of a potential package could entice the Wizards' brass.
Potential Target #2: POR Jerami Grant
2023-24 Stats: 21.3 PPG | 3.7 RPG | 2.6 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.7 BPG
If the Mavericks fail to land Kuzma, management could shift their focus to Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, the biggest hurdle in a potential Grant trade is financial, as the 29-year-old signed a massive 5-year, $160 million extension this past offseason. Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, Dallas would have to unload the contracts of Williams, Richaun Holmes, and Maxi Kleber to make the numbers work. Dallas would also need to be willing to part with Prosper to spark the Blazers' interest, but the option is intriguing nonetheless.
Potential Target #3: CHA P.J. Washington
2023-24 Stats: 13.8 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 2.2 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.7 BPG
Unlike Grant, Charlotte's P.J. Washington is on a much more affordable 3-year, $45 million deal inked last summer. Still just 25 years old, Washington's defensive versatility would be an excellent fit for a Mavs team that struggles on that end of the floor, not to mention his ability as a spot-up shooter.
Potential Target #4: BKN Dorian Finney-Smith
2023-24 Stats: 9.1 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.6 BPG
Sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-29 record, the Brooklyn Nets are expected to be sellers at the deadline. One name reportedly drawing interest from several teams is former Maverick Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith spent the first six and a half years of his career with the Mavs before he was dealt to Brooklyn just before last year's deadline as part of the Kyrie Irving blockbuster. Strong defensively with an ability to space the floor, a potential reunion would make sense for both sides.
Team Needs: Power Forward
If the Dallas Mavericks (27-23) are looking to cement themselves as title contenders, then an upgrade at power forward is priority one. Grant Williams, who signed a four-year, $54 million contract in the offseason, has been a disappointment and was moved to a bench role after starting the first 26 games. Derrick Jones Jr. has since replaced Williams at the four, and although the former is enjoying a career year, he is best utilized at the small forward position. While potential PF options are limited, a few names could be available with Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching.
