Dallas Mavericks Mailbag: Trade talk, Playoff Push, and Luka Doncic
By Reid Hanson
![WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/279668b661f42ed62540f2f4e5fb8d2e5884ea5fcffaef49ca93ff2b1be4d428.jpg)
In this Dallas Mavericks mailbag we discuss possible trades, the odds of making the postseason, and the play of rookie Luka Doncic.
The Dallas Mavericks are back in the hunt. After a dreadful start to the 2018-2019 season, the Mavs have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Mavs are now 10-10 and owners of the final playoff seed in the Western Conference.
For fans, excitement has been building since the Mavs aren’t just a young and entertaining roster, but an actual contender. So let’s take a moment and hit our mailbag addressing some of today’s pressing issues.
Q: Will the Mavs try to get Markelle Fultz?
The Mavs don’t need ball handlers. With Luka Doncic, Dennis Smith Jr., J.J. Barea and Jalen Brunson, they arguably have too many already. With that said this is a great “buy low” scenario going on right now and the two things Philly seems eager to get in this trade are the two things the Dallas Mavericks can offer them:
- Clear cap for next summer
- Outside shooting
Wesley Matthews checks both boxes. His expiring deal will give the 76ers the room they want to re-sign Jimmy Butler and it gives them a somewhat adequate 3-D guy to shoot from outside. The Mavs would get a former No. 1 overall pick looking for a change of scenery to restart his career. I’d still put the chances very low on this one – especially with the Mavs playing so well these days.
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- 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Where will the Dominoes fall?
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Q: Can we get Bradly Beal from the Wizards in a trade?
No. The Dallas Mavericks would take him in heartbeat but they can’t afford him. Beal is the Wizards most prized possession. He may be on the market, but it’s going to take a lot to get him and there are a dozen underachieving teams with desperate GMs willing to put a great trade proposal together.
Q: Are the Mavs legitimate playoff contenders?
The Dallas Mavericks are a legitimate threat for the playoffs but they have a lot of improvement yet to do to get there. Does anyone expect the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, and San Antonio Spurs to keep playing like crap and miss the postseason? Once these three course correct the battle for the playoffs s gonna get mighty hairy.
The Dallas Mavericks are surviving with their bench. It’s the best bench in the NBA and it’s taking advantage of these top-heavy rosters. It’s imperative the starting five start carrying more of the weight.
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Q: Is Luka Doncic all he was expected to be?
And more. Luka is the best player on the Dallas Mavericks and even better than advertised. The entire offense should flow through him when he’s on the court because good things happen when the ball is in Luka’s hands.