Ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in adding a forward, per the latest rumors. More specifically, Dallas is eyeing Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors and P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets:
Dallas is definitely looking at power forwards and I’ve been told Dorian Finney-Smith no longer someone they’re considering there. I’ve been told Miles Bridges no longer someone they’re considering there, but Andrew Wiggins, PJ Washington, those are two names I’m confident in.
Additionally, the Mavericks reportedly made an offer for the New York Knicks’ Quentin Grimes. However, the Knicks rejected the offer, per reports.
Earlier this week, reports suggested the Mavericks also showed interest in the Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma:
Sources say Dallas has indeed registered consistent trade interest in Kyle Kuzma in addition to past trade runs at Wizards center Daniel Gafford and versatile forward Deni Avdija, who, like Green, signed a rookie-scale contract extension ($55 million over four years) in October.
The NBA Trade Deadline is tomorrow, February 8, and it will be interesting to see if the Mavericks can fill a need.
NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Looking to Add a Forward
Why the Mavericks Want a Forward
The 28-23 Mavericks currently own the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. However, with Kyrie Irving‘s recent return from injury, the team is in good shape to make a playoff push in the second half of the season. Though the team has a lot of talent on paper, their weakest position is clearly at the power forward spot. Currently, the team is starting Derrick Jones Jr., who is averaging 9.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Furthermore, the former Slam Dunk Contest champion is shooting 48.1% from the field and 34.1% from behind the line. Jones Jr. has been solid. However, it is clear the team wants an upgrade if they want to make a playoff push.
Additionally, despite a red-hot start to his Mavericks career, Grant Williams has cooled off these last few months. In fact, the former Boston Celtics forward is no longer a regular starter for the team. On the year, the 3-and-D forward is averaging 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Also, Williams is shooting 41.3% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc. All these stats are either worse or identical to his final season in Boston when he was a regular bench player. A few weeks ago, Kevin Gray Jr., host of Inside the Mavs podcast talked about Williams’ shortcomings:
On the subject of Grant Williams, one Mavs source I talked to recently about him said the concern is that Williams has never been asked to play this many minutes and be in shape to do so that has caused some regression from his early start…#MFFL
The Last Word
So far, no reports indicate the Mavericks are getting close to a deal. That said, with how many names Dallas has been linked to, it would be a shock if they do not make a move by the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.
