2019 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 teams that should trade for Dennis Smith Jr.
If the Dallas Mavericks cannot repair their relationship with Dennis Smith Jr. here are five potential trade suitors — and a few specific deals — that might make sense.
Luka Doncic has set the basketball world on fire in his first NBA season, but the victims of his step-back 3s aren’t the only ones who could be getting burned by his success.
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Dallas Mavericks have held discussions with a few teams about a trade for point guard Dennis Smith Jr., with the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns mentioned specifically. ESPN‘s Zach Lowe confirmed there’s a lot of trade buzz surrounding DSJ, who’s missed the last three games with what the team has called a sore back.
It seems curious the Mavs would already have Smith on the trade block after selecting him ninth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, but according to Wojnarowski, their partnership may have already run its course due to his need to have the ball in his hands to be effective, as well as head coach Rick Carlisle‘s frustration with his decision-making and tendency to over-dribble.
Though Smith has improved his shooting numbers to 44.3 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from 3-point range, his all-around production has taken a hit playing alongside Doncic in more of an off-ball role. Overall, he’s averaging just 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game in 28 appearances this season.
Injuries have played a partial role in this dip, but after averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game as a rookie, it’s rapidly become clear where DSJ stands in the Mavs’ emerging rebuild around Doncic. He needs to improve in several key areas to make this work.
According to ESPN‘s Tim McMahon, Dallas is attempting to reconcile matters with Smith and will not part with him unless a compelling offer is brought to the table. More than likely, they’d try to include Wesley Matthews‘ expiring contract in a deal, but after shopping him all season and failing to receive a quality offer, it’s entirely possible the Mavs wind up keeping him through the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline.
However, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Trade reports can take a drastic turn at any given moment, so in the event the Mavericks decide to part with their 21-year-old point guard, here’s a look at five NBA teams that would make sense as potential suitors, as well as a few specific trades that might work for both parties.