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Dallas Mavericks: 3 Centers who the Mavs could Trade for

By Lorenzo Almanza

Dec 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Orlando Magic forward center Nikola Vucevic (9) prepares to spin and shoot as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Orlando Magic forward center Nikola Vucevic (9) prepares to spin and shoot as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks aren’t out of the playoff race yet, as such, they may be buyer and not sellers at the NBA trade deadline.

The Dallas Mavericks currently sit in a tight uphill race for the eight spot in the Western Conference. As the standings stand, Dallas is just three and a half games back from the final spot and if the team hopes to make some noise they must first address their big man problem.

Ever since the departure of former Maverick Tyson Chandler (and we are talking about the 2011 edition here), the organization has yet to see stellar play from the big man position. Over the past five years, the team has seen players like Chris Kaman, Elton Brand and Zaza Pachulia all take over the starting center position. While all the former Mavs brought their own unique style of play to the game, they did not have dominant presence Dallas was expecting of them.

Currently, the Mavericks do not have a true center as the team has given star Dirk Nowitzki realms to the starting position. Andrew Bogut was expected to be the starter, but due to a plague of injuries his time has been limited. Reserves Salah Mejri and Dwight Powell both take turns switching between the power forward position and center spot as a result.

Against opponents this season, the Dallas Mavericks average around 38 rebounds a game, something that proves to be incomparable to other the other teams in the NBA whose game average sits at 44.

It is no question where Dallas’ kryptonite lasts. If the team hopes to make any run at the  playoffs they must address their big man problem via an NBA trade.

Here lists the possible scenarios the Mavericks could make:

Brooklyn Nets Center Brook Lopez

(Nets get Deron Williams, Andrew Bogut and a first/second pick and Dallas obtains Lopez)

The Mavericks could easily make a run at the Nets starting center. Brooklyn has always listed Lopez on the trading block and this time proves to be no different. The so called “other team in New York” currently lie in last within the East and could start rebuilding by getting rid of their best player.

This would help Dallas by giving them a dominant big man who is in the midst of his career and could contribute right away. Putting Lopez along side Dirk could create huge concerns for other teams as both big man have the ability to score from inside the paint. The Mavs have the assets, so why not consider the deal.

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Philadelphia 76ers Center Nerlens Noel

(76ers get Deron Williams, Justin Anderson and a fourth pick and Dallas gets Noel)

Nerlens Noel would be a valuable player right off the bat. Not only for the current status quote, but also for the team’s future goals. Noel is currently 22 years old and has the techniques to continue improving his game year by year.

The current 76er would give Dallas a player they could build on for the next couple of years. Noel would be a great future and current asset for the team. The Mavericks would be benefiting Philadelphia by getting rid one of there oh so many big men, while also giving them a veteran presence they could lean on.

This would be a trade that could benefit Dallas’ big man problem in the long haul.

Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic

(Magic get Devin Harris, Dwight Powell and Dorian Finney-Smith and Dallas gets Vucevic)

Vucevic has the ability to become the next big star in the NBA. The current Magic center is everything an NBA team looks for. The seven foot center averages 14 points and 9.9 rebounds a game. His double double numbers and presence on the glass is what stands out the most. Vucevic makes perfect sense for the Mavs.

It is unsure if Orlando would bite into a trade such as the one above, but is something worth looking at as the team would receiver a younger cheaper center to go with a veteran guard and rising rookie. Vuceric is a no-brainer for Dallas, but only time will tell if the Mavs would pull the trigger on such a deal.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Resurgence Keyed by Unheralded Rookie

All three big man bring their own style of play to the game and would contribute for Dallas one way or another. If the Mavericks hopes to make a playoff push down the stretch, it starts with addressing their center position.

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