The Dallas Mavericks have a 20-15 record and are currently ranked No. 6 in the Western Conference. With Luka Doncic sidelined for an extended period, it could be a while before he’s back on the court. Fortunately, the Mavericks are familiar with the abilities of both Doncic and Kyrie Irving, which gives them a solid foundation if they decide to make moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Recently, rumors have emerged regarding Jimmy Butler potentially seeking a trade from the Miami Heat. While the Heat initially denied these claims, they have since stated that they are open to trade discussions. The Mavericks have been mentioned as a possible destination for Butler, and the market for the veteran forward is worth watching to see who might pursue him.
However, a trade for Butler wouldn’t make sense for the Mavericks. Although Butler is known for stepping up in the playoffs and performing at his best when the stakes are high, he thrives with the ball in his hands, which would not complement the existing Mavericks core of Doncic and Irving, both of whom are ball-dominant scorers. Adding Butler would limit the offensive flow, as the team needs floor spacing and secondary playmaking, not another ball-heavy creator.
Furthermore, the Mavericks are unlikely to want to commit significant money to an aging star like Butler, who will be 36 and may demand either a long-term extension or a $52 million player option for the final year of his contract. For these reasons, the Mavericks should avoid pursuing Butler and instead focus on potential trades for players like Herb Jones.
