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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Should Trade For Jusuf Nurkic

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Pepsi Center. The Kings won 120-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Pepsi Center. The Kings won 120-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are building towards the future and, after years of Dirk Nowitzki keeping them in the playoffs, are in position to secure a lottery pick. Nowitzki alone will keep Dallas relevant, but the Mavericks need to think about the future.

Andrew Bogut may be one of the league’s elite defensive players, but Nurkic could represent the future at the center position.

By acquiring Nurkic, Dallas would acquire a bruising interior force to complement Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews. He’s a physical defender who isn’t afraid to throw his body around, as well as an excellent rebounder and a capable post scorer.

If any tandem of basketball minds can help Nurkic turn his aggressive style of play into something more methodical, it’s Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki.

Nurkic has the potential to be a quality defensive player, but he needs to cut down on his fouls by being more responsible with when and how he contests shots. He’s limited offensively outside of the paint, but working with Nowitzki and Carlisle could change that.

Dallas is building for the future and Nurkic is the perfect center to help them prepare for the future—if and only if Dallas can keep its 2017 first-round draft pick.

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