NBA Trades: 3 Western Conference teams that need to make a splash

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 08: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 08, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA Trades: 3 Western Conference teams that need to make a splash. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 3 West teams that need to make a splash – Dallas Mavericks

Why? – The Dallas Mavericks have so far failed to establish themselves as true title contenders this season. The team currently sits sixth in the Western Conference with a 19-18 record and hasn’t managed to make that next leap forward from last season.

In fairness, Dallas has had its fair share of injury problems. Luka Doncic missed serious game time with an ankle problem and Kristaps Porzingis has had to battle with various issues.

But even when those two are healthy, it is clear that this team is lacking the quality needed to get where it wants to go. The Mavs have a potential all-time great in Doncic but have so far failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs.

Dallas still has plenty of time, of course, given Doncic is still only 22. But the organization is approaching the point where it has to start building a team around him that contend for a championship. At present, this team is way short of doing that.

Trading for Porzingis has not panned out as planned so far and Doncic is lacking a co-star to make a real run at the title. The team’s struggles from three have been evident – ranking 25th in three-point percentage at 33.0 percent – and they don’t have much additional ball-handling and shot creation aside from Luka.

If this team is to really kick on, it has to start making big moves in the trade market or they risk wasting a phenomenal talent in Doncic.

What does the team need? – Simply put – the Mavs need a second star. Someone alongside Luka who can create both for themselves and others while also spacing the floor for Doncic to drive to the basket. Opposing teams simply do not have enough to worry about when playing Dallas.

Someone at the two-guard position or forward spots that can handle the ball and shoot should be a priority for Dallas in the trade market. Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Reggie Bullock, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Porzingis can all contribute to at least some extent but are not quite at the level in their respective roles to compete with the very best teams in the NBA.

The team ranks just 17th for offensive rating this season – scoring 109.1 points per 100 possessions – and has very little shot creation when Doncic is out. He is forced to take on so much of the team’s offensive responsibility without much support.

However, second stars are obviously highly sought after, and there are not many available for Dallas to go after. Keeping Porzingis as a third guy would be the best-case scenario, but the Mavs might have to trade their big man in order to move forward.

But at $31m a year and a list of previous injuries as long as the list of records Steph Curry has broken, the Mavs might struggle to make a move unless teams are sold on Porzingis.

Possible targets – Kyrie Irving, CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal