2019 NBA Trade Deadline: 15 players in need of a trade
14. Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly working to repair their relationship after it seemed like a trade was inevitable. The Mavs point guard is back on the floor after being away from the team, and head coach Rick Carlisle even called him to apologize for his lack of a role and the situation in general.
Sources tell @TheAthletic @WatchStadium: Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle apologized to Dennis Smith Jr. in phone conversation, expressing remorse over situation. The Mavericks have made clear Smith has been positive presence for them. https://t.co/1BJEJrCfxJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 21, 2019
However, if these tensions bubbled up so quickly into Luka Doncic‘s reign, there’s a good chance they’ll surface again. This is Wonder Boy’s team now, and unless DSJ seriously upgrades his jump shot or adjusts his game, he’ll still need the ball in his hands to be effective.
There’s not as much pressure to get a deal for Smith done before the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline, but his production has taken a clear step backward this year and the Mavs need to start tailoring their roster around Doncic in order to start contending now. It’s hard to see Smith thriving in that kind of environment, and it might be better for both sides to locate a suitor sooner rather than later.