Mavericks Linked to Potential Trade for NBA Champion Forward
The Dallas Mavericks are active in trade talks. One name they are reportedly interested in is former NBA champ Kyle Kuzma.
By Cem Yolbulan
The Dallas Mavericks are solidly in the playoff picture in the Western Conference, sitting in sixth-seed with a 24-18 record. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the helm, they always have a chance to beat anyone in the playoffs and make a deep run.
However, they need to guarantee themselves a postseason spot in the stacked Western Conference. Upgrading the roster ahead of the trade deadline is an excellent way to do so.
Mark Cuban had said earlier last week that the Mavericks are on the market for frontcourt help. According to Marc Stein of the Stein Line, one of the names they are interested in is Kyle Kuzma.
Mavericks Rumors: Kyle Kuzma Is A Trade Target For Dallas
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma could be a trade target in Dallas. Read more here: https://t.co/Z0rrEHm2zY
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 22, 2024
Kyle Kuzma certainly fills a need for Dallas. A combo forward who can do it all, Kuzma would provide the Mavericks with good size, playmaking, scoring, and passable defense. Considering the lack of two-way wings on the Mavs' roster, Kuzma's skill set would do wonders.
Plus, Kuzma brings significant postseason experience as he was part of the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers team that won the championship in the Bubble. He has been out of the spotlight in Washington for the past few seasons, but he is a reliable veteran who could thrive as a third or fourth option in Dallas.
The Wizards reportedly want two first-round picks for Kuzma in a potential trade. Even though Kuzma is in his prime and is on a reasonable team-friendly deal that pays him $90 million for four years, that would be a steep price to pay. If the Mavs are able to get him for anything less, however, he would be an excellent addition around Doncic and Irving.
The Dallas Mavericks currently have the sixth-best odds in the Western Conference to make the NBA Finals with +1500 on FanDuel Sportsbook. If you think Doncic & Co. can make a deep playoff run, take advantage of FanDuel's sign-up bonus that gives you $150 if you deposit $10 and bet $5 on any event, regardless of the outcome of your bet.
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