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NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Power Forwards Targeted by Mavericks to Fulfill the Missing Piece for 2nd NBA Championship

Published 01/13/2024, 12:01 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Dallas Mavericks have started the season as they mean to go on. With the 2023-24 season almost reaching its halfway mark, the Mavs have established themselves as one of the best teams in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. The Mavs have achieved this feat despite missing Kyrie Irving for the major part of the season. The stellar performances of Luka Doncic have been the driving factor behind the Mavs’ impressive season.

However, despite occupying a top-six position in the Western Conference, the Mavs still aren’t considered a legitimate title contender. But, this perception might shift, as there are rumors suggesting that the Mavs are monitoring three power forwards who could potentially improve their chances of securing the championship.

Dallas is monitoring Siakam, Grant, and Finney-Smith

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According to NBA analyst Jake Weinbach, “The Mavericks should be targeting a starting-level power forward ahead of the trade deadline.” In recent weeks, reports have emerged of the Mavs’ growing interest in Pascal Siakam and Jerami Grant. Another name on Dallas’ shortlist is Dorian Finney-Smith. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie controlling the reins, they have looked menacing in offense. However, defense still remains a problem area for the Mavs.

 

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The Mavs have recorded a defensive rating of 116.2, which is the 13th worst in the league. The current makeup of the Mavericks’ roster exposes a notable deficiency in the wing position, and it appears that the Mavericks’ hierarchy is determined to address and fill this gap. Securing Siakam and Grant through trades would undoubtedly increase the Mavericks’ prospects of winning the NBA title. However, obtaining Finney-Smith seems to be a more realistic option, given the Mavericks’ limitations in trade assets compared to other teams vying for Siakam and Grant. But the Mavs need to be ambitious in order to capitalize on Luka and Kyrie’s immense talent.

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Can the Mavs win the 2024 NBA title?

The Mavericks are in a unique predicament. While they possess two of the best players in the league, the Mavericks are still lacking a high-quality frontcourt player to make a legitimate push for an NBA title. Their lack of star-quality front-court options could really hamper their title ambitions.

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However, the Mavs have unearthed several hidden gems this season. Dante Exum and Derrick Jones Jr. were an afterthought in the NBA. But, they have played a pivotal role in turning the Mavs into title challengers. Rookie center Dereck Lively II has blossomed into an excellent rim protector as well as a great pick-and-roll option for Luka and Kyrie. However, a trade for Siakam or Grant would make them a serious threat to title favorites like the Nuggets or the Celtics.

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Written by:

Dushyant Singh

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Dushyant Singh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His basketball script journey began in 2020 when he was captivated by the Los Angeles Lakers? triumphant NBA championship win. Before that he was merely dribbling and dunking as a boy next door.
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Edited by:

Ruth John