NBA Trade Rumors: 5 deals Dallas Mavericks need to make

The Dallas Mavericks have exceeded expectations this season, but could they try to reach another level by making a move before the NBA trade deadline?

A 31-year-old Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews coming off an Achilles tear, Chandler Parsons coming off a knee injury, a failed attempt to sign DeAndre Jordan, an ageless Dirk Nowitzki, and the Georgian hero that is Zaza Pachulia. The Mavericks’ roster doesn’t scream “elite”, and they aren’t close to that level, but they have overachieved more than anyone could have expected. However, could they benefit from a trade?

In comparison to a team like the Los Angeles Clippers or the clear-cut top three of the Western Conference, the Mavericks just don’t have as much talent. This can’t be helped now that Dirk is almost ready to retire and realistically, not much more can be asked from the likes of Williams and certainly not the great Zaza. Yet, one element of the team that can be improved is the bench.

The sparks of scoring that J.J. Barea can provide off the bench and the solid resurgence of Williams aside, the point guard situation may need altering if the Mavericks want to reach for greater heights. As for their frontcourt (the area of the team this piece will focus on), they could use a defensive boost and JaVale McGee is hardly the answer to all their prayers as a backup center.

Yes, he can put up crazy numbers at times with his rebounding and blocks, but there’s a reason he’s a regular feature on “Shaqtin’ a Fool”. He isn’t a player with good fundamentals and IQ and that’s what everyone knows him for. Athleticism and freakish length aside, he doesn’t make a team better when he’s on the floor. As for his offensive game, well, that leaves a lot to be desired besides the entertaining lobs.

Salah Mejri has shown promise as a center who’s come out of nowhere as a 29-year-old rookie from Tunisia. He plays with confidence, drives well to the basket for a 7’1″ player, and he’s averaging 1.9 blocks and 9.8 rebounds per 36 minutes in his limited sample size of 14 games. That’s the problem, though, because he still isn’t the best option Dallas could hope for and he needs to develop before establishing a large role.

Dwight Powell is further along in this regard, but he still can’t carry the second unit by himself. As for Charlie Villanueva, he’s done nothing more than help deplete leads.

So, until we get to a more ambitious trade idea for the Mavericks, let’s start looking through some options to strengthen their frontcourt.

Next: 5. A center that's available