The Dallas Mavericks, currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 20-14 record, are looking to capitalize on their strong start and build on their NBA Finals appearance from last season. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the team has positioned itself as a contender but may need reinforcements to solidify their status as championship favorites.
Recent Moves
The Mavericks made impactful trades and signings over the past year, acquiring P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at last season’s trade deadline. In the offseason, they added Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade and signed forward Naji Marshall. These additions have bolstered the supporting cast around their star duo.
Current Star Performance
- Luka Dončić: Averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2 steals per game, shooting 46.4% from the field and 35.4% from three. Unfortunately, he’s sidelined for at least a month due to a left calf strain sustained on Christmas Day.
- Kyrie Irving: Averaging 24.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting an impressive 49% from the floor and 44.1% from three. Irving is also temporarily out with a back injury, expected to miss 1–2 weeks.
Trade Deadline Goals
With their stars dealing with injuries, Dallas has a unique opportunity to shore up its roster and add depth. When healthy, Dončić and Irving are playing at elite levels, and another high-impact acquisition could make them even more formidable.
Top 3 Trade Targets for the Mavericks in 2024-25
- OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors)
- Why? Anunoby’s defensive prowess and ability to space the floor (career 37.5% from three) make him an ideal complement to Dončić and Irving. He can guard multiple positions, adding versatility to Dallas’ defensive schemes.
- Potential Cost: A mix of young assets and draft picks to entice Toronto.
- Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
- Why? Turner would provide a much-needed defensive anchor in the paint and a reliable stretch-five option. His rim protection and three-point shooting (38.2% last season) would fit seamlessly into the Mavericks’ system.
- Potential Cost: A package involving Daniel Gafford, draft picks, or a role player like Maxi Kleber.
- Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers)
- Why? Hield’s elite three-point shooting could help the Mavericks maintain offensive firepower during Dončić and Irving’s absences and further enhance their spacing when both return.
- Potential Cost: Likely affordable with draft capital and/or a rotational player.
The Mavericks have the contracts and assets to make a meaningful move. Securing one of these players would not only address immediate needs but also bolster their championship aspirations for the long haul.
Mavericks sign Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.
Kyle Kuzma has emerged as a potential target for the Dallas Mavericks, a player the Mavs showed interest in during the 2023-24 season. Now, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Kuzma is reportedly open to joining Dallas.
Currently, Kuzma is averaging 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 42.5% from the field and 26.2% from three. His scoring ability and versatility as a forward could make him an impactful addition to the Mavs, especially as a quality bench scorer to complement Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
However, Kuzma’s contract complicates any potential trade. He is in the second year of a four-year, $90 million deal, with his salary descending each season. This means Dallas would need to match Kuzma’s $23.5 million salary in any trade, which could require a combination of players and/or draft picks to make the deal work. Despite the financial challenges, Kuzma’s ability to add scoring and depth to the Mavs’ lineup makes him an intriguing option for Dallas moving forward.
