NBA Rumors: Mavericks Not Done Making Moves Yet

The Dallas Mavericks made their big splash, bringing in the mercurial Kyrie Irving to team up with Luka Doncic. But sources say they aren't done firming up their roster yet for the stretch run, with a couple of moves still in the offing before Thursday's trade deadline. 

According to Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News:

The front office is not finished exploring trade options to further reshape and upgrade the roster around 23-year-old franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic, a person familiar with the Mavericks’ thinking said less than an hour after news of the Irving trade broke.  

Dallas has discussed options to move Tim Hardaway Jr.... Though he can boost the offense when in a shooting rhythm, Hardaway’s contract is viewed as a long-term investment that doesn’t justify his streaky high-volume production while limiting the Mavericks’ future financial flexibility.

Hardaway is earning $19.6M this season, with two years left after this one for another $34M total through 2024-25. Dallas would like to move off of that contract. 

In addition, free agent-to-be Christian Wood, although he's been the Mavs' second-leading scorer this season, is also seen as likely to go before the deadline. He's averaging 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 38.5% shooting from three, though his defense is suspect. He's missed the last eight games with a fractured thumb. 

The Mavs aren't inclined to offer Wood an extension any longer than two years, while he's likely looking for a four-year deal, hence the possibility of moving on from him. 

Aside from Wood, Caplan mentions third-year wing Josh Green and rookie guard Jaden Hardy as the Mavs' other most valuable trade pieces.

But aside from shedding contracts, the Mavs should be looking at some sort of defensive upgrades before the deadline, particularly after bringing in Irving, who, despite all his spectacular offensive ability, is very defensively challenged, while at the same time losing Dorian Finney-Smith to Brooklyn, their top wing defender. 

Still some work to be done in Dallas.

 Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports