4 Players the Dallas Mavericks could target at the trade deadline

Here are four wing players the Dallas Mavericks could target as the trade deadline approaches Thursday afternoon.

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly in the market for an upgrade at the wing position. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Charlotte Hornets, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of the Toronto Raptors, Andre Iguodala of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Danilo Gallinari of the Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly the main targets for the Mavericks.

Let’s take a look at the likelihood and fit for each trade…

Andre Iguodala

Let’s start with the least likely and worst fit, Andre Iguodala. Rumors about Iguodala coming to Dallas started as soon as the Golden State Warriors traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. The 36-year-old Iguodala is in the last year of his 3 year 48 million dollar contract. The biggest problem with this trade, other than Iguodala’s age, is his current situation.

Iguodala was traded to Memphis to free cap space for the Warriors to sign D’Angelo Russell. Memphis was expected to buy out Iguodala’s contract but decided not to. In response, Iguodala has yet to suit up for the Grizzlies so far, and threatens to sit out the entire season if not traded. Although the Dallas Mavericks are currently a better team than the Grizzlies. Iguodala is looking to be traded to an upper-tier contender, so him being happy in Dallas is unlikely.

Iguodala is a good veteran wing defender with championship pedigree. His unwillingness to accept the veteran leadership role, and becoming a distinction in Memphis however should be a red flag for the Mavericks. This could be Rajon Rondo all over again and with other options available the Mavericks should block the Grizzlies number until after Thursday’s deadline.

Danilo Gallinari

Oklahoma City’s Danilo Gallinari is arguably the best fit for the Mavericks. Gallinari is a capable defender with a big body that can stretch the floor. The only problem is the Oklahoma City Thunder are exceeding expectations, and will probably not be the an eager player in trade talks like they were expected to be at the start of the season.

The Thunder are currently in seventh place in the Western conference, just one game behind the Mavericks. The Thunder’s surprising success is thanks in large part to the play of Gallinari. With the Mavericks lack of assets, and the fact that the Thunder could possibly be fighting Dallas for playoff position I don’t see Oklahoma City making a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

The next guy is owner of possibly the ugliest jump shot in NBA history. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Charlotte Hornets has been said to be a possible trade target for the Dallas Mavericks. The second overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft, mostly due to injuries, has never lived up to expectations.

At 6’6″ 234 pounds Kidd-Gilchrist has a strong athletic body that enables him to be a good defender that can guard multiple positions. The problem is, that’s about all you get from him. Kidd-Gilchrist has a 6’10” game in a 6’6″ body, and I’m not being complimentary. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an upgrade from likely trade partner Courtney Lee. The slight defensive upgrade is offset by the offensive production and spacing you give up however.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

The one player that I’m not totally against is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of the Toronto Raptors. Hollis-Jefferson reminds me of Dorian Finney-Smith, who’s slightly better around the rim but much worse from the three-point line. Hollis-Jefferson’s ability to be a threat in the pick and roll, and on back door cuts may make up for his bad shooting from outside however.

Most importantly Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a great on and off-ball defender. At 6’6″ he can guard multiple positions. he’s fast enough and has the vertical to play well in the Mavericks zone defenses. The thing I like most is he’s a right place right time type of player. He can help his team in ways that don’t show up on highlights.

Countdown Begins

I’m pretty sure that the Dallas Mavericks will be involved in a trade, but to be honest, I don’t see the need. Unless the Mavericks are able to pull off another Willie Cauley-Stein like trade what’s the point? I understand that the Mavericks have a trade exception from the Harrison Barnes trade that they’ll lose if they don’t use it by Thursday. I also understand getting rid of Courtney Lee’s contract, and improving on the wing.

The problem is the Houston Rockets are trading Clint Capela, and now the Los Angels Lakers are offering Kyle Kuzma for the same type of players that Dallas is looking for. With the Mavericks lack of assets, and competition for available players it’s hard to see the Mavericks getting much of an upgrade, but hopefully the Dallas Mavericks front office has another trick up their sleeves.

What are you hoping to see before the deadline tomorrow afternoon?

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