The Dallas Mavericks came into the 2023-24 NBA season hoping to vault back into title contention, but instead, they are fighting for their postseason lives.
At 28-23, the Mavericks are sitting in eighth in the Western Conference and would be subject to the Play-In Tournament if the regular season ended today.
Dallas had high hopes because of their star tandem of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Irving re-signed with the Mavericks in the offseason and although he’s having another solid scoring year, his partnership with Doncic hasn’t blossomed the way the team hoped.
With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching, Dallas should be turning over every stone to find a deal that improves the roster.
Former NBA center DeMarcus Cousins threw out a wild trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers via Rachel Nichols.
“I think Kyrie fits in perfectly with LeBron and AD,” Cousins said. “I think that’s the perfect combination. I could see a DLo, Rui for Kyrie.”
Boogie Cousins wants to see a Kyrie-for-DLo swap between the Mavs and Lakers; if I am Nico Harrison there is NO WAY that I’d make that deal, even if LA threw in Rui Hachimura and whoever else, even if they could make the salaries work.
Nico: Do not. Pick up. The phone. pic.twitter.com/dM1bJyYbch— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 8, 2024
The Lakers were interested in Irving last season after his falling out with the Brooklyn Nets, though the Mavericks were the ones to step up and trade for the star guard at the deadline.
Los Angeles, like Dallas, has been active in the trade market looking for upgrades but has yet to find a deal to their liking.
Irving would be the ideal guard next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the Mavericks would surely look for more of a return if they did end up dealing Irving.
Irving seems like a safe bet to stay put, though things could definitely change in the offseason.
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