Mavs’ Complete 2024 NBA Trade Deadline Preview, Predictions

The Dallas Mavericks took a massive swing at the 2023 NBA trade deadline, adding Kyrie Irving in their latest attempt to find the right co-star for Luka Dončić.

They could once again be among the Association’s most aggressive buyers at this iteration of the deadline, as they have the resources—and arguably the need—to do something dramatic between now and the Feb. 8 cutoff.

No, they probably won’t add another star—it looks like there isn’t even one available—but they could make a push for an impact player at one of the forward spots. They’ve had trouble separating themselves in the Western Conference’s crowded midsection, but they’ve also flashed a high enough ceiling at full-strength to warrant something pretty close to an all-in push.

The Mavericks don’t have the deepest asset pool you’ll find.

They can dangle draft picks, but there just aren’t many to offer. They owe a top-10 protected first to the New York Knicks in 2024 or 2025, plus they’re out their 2029 first (unprotected and owed to the Brooklyn Nets). The San Antonio Spurs hold swap rights on Dallas’ 2030 first-rounder, too.

Dallas has one first-rounder to offer (in 2026 or 2027) and two second-round picks. While that’s enough to add a rock-solid role player, the only way the Mavs are getting a difference-maker is if that player is discounted, perhaps due to injury concerns or a massive contract commitment.

Even then, Dallas might need another sweetener, and at that point you’re probably only talking about sophomore scoring guard Jaden Hardy or rookie wing Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Fourth-year swingman Josh Green would have some trade value, but since he signed an extension in October, he is subject to the poison-pill provision.

When healthy, the Mavericks boast one of the league’s best backcourt combos with Irving and Dončić. Rookie big man Dereck Lively III already appears like the ideal rim-runner to share the floor with them.

That part of the roster is working flawlessly—when healthy, of course. In the 269 minutes those three have played together, Dallas has dominated opponents by 8.8 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com.

The Mavs just need better options at the positions in between. A capable shot-creator who defends and shoots would be ideal, hence their reported interest in Kyle Kuzma.

They could get a smaller deal done, though, as a more reliable three-and-D option could potentially play their way into a significant role. A reunion with former Mavs swingman Dorian Finney-Smith could be a subtly substantial pickup.

The Mavs are getting a new two-way forward. You can write that one down in non-erasable pen.

That’s clearly the weak spot of this roster, and this group has a legitimate chance to make playoff noise if it’s properly addressed. They also don’t have a ton of time to get this right, as Irving is already in his age-31 season, and they need to prove to Dončić they can construct a contender around him sooner than later.

The only question is how big Dallas will go at the deadline. The Mavs will surely kick the tires on Kuzma and Jerami Grant, and either would be a massive get. It’s possible, though, Dallas simply doesn’t have the trade chips needed to pry either loose.

If that’s the case, the Mavs can simply move down their wish list and target anyone from Finney-Smith or O’Neale to Andrew Wiggins, Miles Bridges or P.J. Washington. Regardless who they get, though, expect them to find someone who quickly settles into a starting role.