The Mavericks are in that awkward middle ground right now. Sitting at 9-7 and ninth in the West, they’re not exactly lighting it up, but they’re not falling apart either. Luka Doncic’s wrist injury has thrown a wrench into things, and without him at 100%, the team’s weaknesses are starting to show. Defense? Still shaky. Depth? Not great. They’re leaning on Kyrie Irving to keep things afloat, but the roster feels like it’s one or two solid moves away from really being taken seriously in the playoff hunt. It’s time to look at the market and find some help, fast.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Potential Trade Offer To The Nets: Maxi Kleber, Dante Exum, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Nets are having a mixed season so far, sitting at 7-10 and clearly not in the contender conversation. Their roster feels like a mix of young pieces and mid-tier vets, which screams “rebuild,” even if they’re not fully admitting it. That’s where Dorian Finney-Smith comes in. He’s been solid this year, averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while playing his usual tough defense. But does he really fit what the Nets are trying to do long-term? Probably not.
Bringing Finney-Smith back makes too much sense for the Mavericks. They desperately need another wing defender who can handle the league’s elite scorers. Right now, they’re relying on guys like Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall, but it’s clear they don’t have enough depth to stop top-tier offenses. Finney-Smith knows the Mavericks’ system, and his defensive versatility would be an instant upgrade. Plus, he can knock down some threes, which makes him a perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The potential trade package feels fair for both sides. Maxi Kleber gives the Nets a reliable big with some shooting, Dante Exum is a throw-in who might help with backcourt depth, and a 2025 first-round pick gives the Nets a future asset for their rebuild. For the Mavericks, it’s about winning now, and Finney-Smith checks the boxes they need to shore up their defense and balance out the roster. It’s a move that could make a real difference come playoff time.
Donte DiVincenzo
Potential Trade Offer To The Timberwolves: Maxi Kleber, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Timberwolves are sitting at 8-8 this season, which is exactly the kind of record that screams “mediocrity.” After moving Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, they haven’t seen the results they hoped for. Randle and Gobert together in the paint? It’s a spacing nightmare. Add to that some inconsistent scoring, and it’s no wonder this team hasn’t found its groove yet.
DiVincenzo has been solid, averaging 9.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 16 games this season. But let’s be real—he’s not exactly a franchise cornerstone. The Timberwolves might want to cash in while he’s still got value, as reports have surfaced about DiVincenzo’s potential trade availability. He’s a high-IQ player with solid defense and shooting, but if Minnesota isn’t going anywhere, why not pick up a young piece and a pick?
For the Mavericks, DiVincenzo is almost a perfect fit. With Luka Doncic sidelined, he could slide into the starting shooting guard role, with Klay Thompson as small forward. His ability to space the floor and create shots would take some pressure off Kyrie Irving. Plus, when Doncic comes back, DiVincenzo could either challenge Klay for the starting spot (Thompson’s been shaky) or give the Mavs a legit sixth man they’ve been missing all season.
The trade makes sense for both sides. The Timberwolves get Maxi Kleber, who can space the floor and help keep Randle and Gobert from stepping all over each other, Olivier-Maxence Prosper as a promising young player, and a 2025 draft pick to sweeten the deal, although it’s also worth noting that the Wolves may rather wait it out until the offseason to trade him.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, could get a plug-and-play guy who could help them right now and possibly even take on a bigger role in the future. If the Timberwolves were ever openly interested in a move, they should jump at DiVincenzo as soon as possible.
Kelly Olynyk
Potential Trade Offer To The Raptors: Maxi Kleber, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Raptors are an absolute mess this season, sitting at 4-12 and showing no signs of turning things around. They’ve been one of the worst teams offensively, and their roster just doesn’t seem to fit together. To make matters worse, Kelly Olynyk—who was supposed to provide shooting and playmaking in the frontcourt—has yet to play a game this season due to a lingering back injury. Last year, though, he was solid post-trade deadline, averaging 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 38.7% shooting from deep between his stints with the Jazz and Raptors.
For the Mavericks, Olynyk could be exactly what they need. P.J. Washington has struggled to provide consistent floor spacing, and Olynyk’s shooting and playmaking would be a perfect fit. He’s not just a stretch big—he’s a savvy passer who can keep the offense flowing and open up opportunities for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. His ability to play inside-out would also help balance their rotations, giving them more versatility in their frontcourt.
The trade package of Maxi Kleber and a 2025 first-rounder feels like a win-win. Kleber’s defensive reliability and shooting would give the Raptors some depth, especially in their messy frontcourt. Add in a future pick, and the Raptors would be gaining assets for their inevitable rebuild. Meanwhile, the Mavericks get a veteran big who fits their system and addresses their glaring needs on offense.
This move makes sense on both sides. The Raptors can continue to stockpile assets and pivot toward the future, while the Mavericks get a player who can contribute immediately and help solidify their position in a tough Western Conference playoff race.
Santi Aldama
Potential Trade Offer To The Grizzlies: Jaden Hardy, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Grizzlies are sitting at 10-7 this season, holding the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings. While they’ve had a solid start, there’s been buzz around whether they should cash in on some of their young talent, especially with future cap considerations looming. Santi Aldama is one such name that could be on the move. He’s currently averaging 12.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 17 games this season, showcasing his versatility as a big man who can score, rebound, and facilitate. However, with his $3.9 million expiring deal and restricted free agency (RFA) status next summer, the Grizzlies might prefer to move him rather than commit significant cap space to retain him.
For the Mavericks, Aldama would be a dream addition. He brings a similar skill set to what Kelly Olynyk would offer, but with better rebounding and a tougher defensive presence. Aldama’s ability to stretch the floor, hit threes, and play physical defense makes him a perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He’d slot in seamlessly as a floor-spacing big who can also battle on the boards, something the Mavericks have been missing.
The proposed package of Hardy, Prosper, and a 2025 first-round pick could make sense for both sides. For the Grizzlies, Hardy offers a young guard with scoring upside, while Prosper is a developing forward who could fit their timeline. The first-round pick adds future value, giving Memphis flexibility in their ongoing roster construction.
This trade would provide the Mavericks with immediate help in their frontcourt while allowing the Grizzlies to offload an expiring deal and avoid tying up future cap space. Both teams walk away with something they need: the Mavericks get a win-now piece, and the Grizzlies secure assets for the future.
Matisse Thybulle
Potential Trade Offer To The Trail Blazers: Maxi Kleber, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Trail Blazers are stuck in rebuild mode, sitting 13th in the Western Conference. Things aren’t looking great, and to make it worse, Matisse Thybulle hasn’t even suited up this season. He had a knee procedure back in October, and there’s been no rush to get him back on the court. It’s a shame because his defense and ability to guard multiple positions are exactly what a team like the Blazers could use right now.
On the other side, adding Thybulle would be a game-changer for the Mavs’ defense. He’s the kind of guy you throw on the other team’s best scorer and just let him lock them up. Sure, his offense isn’t much to write home about, but his defense more than makes up for it. With him in the lineup, the Mavs could match up much better against the top wings in the league, and that could make a big difference come playoff time.
The offer of Maxi Kleber and a 2025 pick feels like a fair deal for both sides. Kleber could help their young core develop and even become a buyout candidate later on. And the first-round pick? That’s always a nice sweetener for a rebuilding team.
For the Mavericks, this is about plugging a hole they’ve needed to address for a while. They get a guy who can give them a defensive boost right away, while the Blazers pick up some long-term assets to help with their rebuild. It’s a win-win situation for both teams.
Herb Jones
Potential Trade Offer To The Pelicans: Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Pelicans are in a tough spot right now, sitting at 4-13 and dead last in the Western Conference. Injuries have completely derailed their season, with Herb Jones being one of the many sidelined players. Jones, currently on a $12.6 million deal, has only managed to appear in four games this season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 28.3 minutes. His defensive impact is undeniable, but with so many players out, the Pelicans are running out of depth and options.
For the Mavericks, Herb Jones would be a perfect addition to their lineup. His defensive versatility is elite, and he could easily take on the toughest assignments against opposing wings. He’s not much of an offensive weapon, but the Mavericks don’t need him to be—they just need someone who can clamp down on defense while Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving handle the scoring. Adding a player like Jones would immediately improve their defense, which has been inconsistent this season.
From the Pelicans’ perspective, this trade would actually make sense given their current situation. Bringing in Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper would add much-needed depth to a roster that’s been decimated by injuries. Grimes is a solid two-way player, Hardy brings scoring upside, and Prosper offers versatility as a young forward. On top of that, the 2025 first-round pick gives them another valuable asset as they look to regroup and rebuild.
This deal could be a win-win. The Mavericks get the elite wing defender they’ve been missing, while the Pelicans add three young players and a pick to help them get through a rough season and build for the future. With their roster currently in shambles, this might be the reset button they need.
Gary Harris
Potential Trade Offer To The Magic: Dwight Powell, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2025 Second-Round Pick
The Magic are having a solid start to the season, sitting at 11-7 and holding down third place in the Eastern Conference. Even with Paolo Banchero missing time due to injury, they’ve been able to stay competitive thanks to their young core and the steady play of guys like Mo Wagner. Gary Harris, meanwhile, has been a solid veteran presence off the bench, averaging 4.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.6 steals. But with so many young guys vying for minutes, plus KCP locked in as their primary wing defender, Harris’s role has been pretty limited.
Harris could be a perfect bench piece in Dallas. He’s a proven 3-and-D guy who could come in and provide some much-needed shooting and on-ball defense. The Mavericks need a guy who can take on tough defensive assignments and still space the floor when Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving are running the offense. Harris fits that mold perfectly and could slide into a role where his skill set is fully utilized, something that isn’t happening in Orlando right now.
The proposed trade makes sense for both sides. The Magic get Dwight Powell, a dependable big who adds frontcourt depth, plus Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a young forward with upside, and a 2025 second-round pick to sweeten the deal. For a team that’s already stacked with young talent, moving Harris for some depth and a future pick seems like a smart play.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks get a guy who can lock down opposing guards and wings while also giving them some shooting off the bench. Harris might not be a star, but he’s the kind of player who makes a difference in key moments, especially on a playoff team. It’s a low-risk move for the Mavericks that could pay off big as they look to make a deep run in the West.
Simone Fontecchio
Potential Trade Offer To The Pistons: Quentin Grimes, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, And 2025 Second-Round Pick
The Pistons are in rough shape this season, sitting at 7-11 and looking like a team that’s still trying to figure it out. They brought in Simone Fontecchio on a two-year, $16 million deal to give them some extra scoring, and he’s been solid so far. He’s averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 35.1% shooting from deep in 18 minutes a night, showing he can knock down shots and contribute. But with Detroit stuck in a rebuild, it might make sense for them to move him for younger assets.
For the Mavericks, Fontecchio is the kind of guy who fits perfectly. He’s a reliable shooter who can stretch the floor and give Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving more space to work. Plus, he’s got that international experience, which could mesh well with the Mavs’ vibe. He’s not a star, but he’s exactly the type of player who knows his role and plays it well.
The trade makes sense for both sides. The Pistons would get Quentin Grimes, who they traded to the Mavs in the offseason, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who could develop into a solid forward, and a 2025 second-round pick to sweeten the deal. It’s a good move for a team focused on the future. Meanwhile, the Mavericks add another shooter who can help them right now, especially as they try to stay competitive in a crowded Western Conference.
This is one of those deals where everybody gets what they need. The Pistons get younger and stock up for the future, and the Mavericks add a guy who can hit shots and fit right into their rotation.
Bojan Bogdanovic
Potential Trade Offer To The Nets: Maxi Kleber, Quentin Grimes, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, And 2025 First-Round Pick
Bojan Bogdanovic is stuck on an expiring $19 million deal with the Nets and hasn’t played a single game this season because of an injury that’s kept him out since April. But last year? The guy was a bucket, averaging 15.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. With the Nets shuffling their roster after moving Mikal Bridges, Bojan’s future there feels pretty up in the air.
If the Mavericks want more offense instead of defensive help like Dorian Finney-Smith, Bogdanovic could be their guy. He’s a proven scorer who can knock down shots and create his own looks, something the Mavs could definitely use. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are doing the heavy lifting on offense, but adding Bojan would give them a legit third-scoring option, especially when the game slows down. Yeah, he’s hurt now, but once he’s healthy, he’d fit right in.
The trade offer makes sense for both sides. Maxi Kleber gives the Nets a floor-spacing big who can play some defense, Grimes is a young wing with upside, and Prosper is a developmental piece who could grow into a nice rotation player. Throw in the 2025 first-round pick, and the Nets would get some solid pieces for their rebuild.
Corey Kispert
Potential Trade Offer To The Wizards: Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, 2025 Second-Round Pick
The Wizards are a mess right now. They’re sitting at 2-13 and can’t seem to figure anything out. Corey Kispert, who’s supposed to be one of their go-to shooters, hasn’t been having a great season either. He’s putting up 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, and his shooting hasn’t been nearly as sharp as advertised, with 32.6% from deep. The dude’s got a solid rep as a marksman, but it just hasn’t clicked this year.
The Mavericks, though, could view Kispert as a sneaky good pickup. Even if he’s in a slump, his ability to stretch the floor could open things up for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Sometimes, all a player needs is a change of scenery to get back to doing what they do best. Kispert has the tools, and with the right system around him, he could find his rhythm again.
The trade sends Dante Exum and Dwight Powell to the Wizards, along with a 2025 second-round pick. Exum brings some defensive versatility, and Powell is a steady vet who plays with energy and knows his role. The pick is a nice bonus for a team that’s clearly in rebuild mode.
For the Mavericks, it’s low-risk, high-reward. If Kispert finds his stroke, he becomes a legit floor spacer that fits perfectly in their system. And for the Wizards, they get depth and future assets, which is exactly what they need as they start from scratch.
