With their best player, Luka Doncic, out for a month, the Dallas Mavericks may have a tough time remaining near the top of the Western Conference. They are currently fifth in the West but only three games up on the ninth seed.
That means that the can't afford a major drop-off. That is easier said than done and the Mavericks may be forced to make a trade between now and then to not only keep pace but to ensure a return to the NBA Finals.
One such trade target could include New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones, according to Christian Clarke of the Athletic. With the Pelicans having an awful, injury-plagued season, they may look to shake up their roster with them failing to build a contender thus far. While Jones is seen as almost untouchable, they may at least consider an offer by the Mavericks or another team.
NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks linked to New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones
A potential move for Jones is made complicated by the fact that the Mavericks don't have many remaining first-round picks left to trade. In fact, they only have four picks remaining in their draft stockpile and can technically only trade a second-round pick outright as well as pick swaps in 2025, 2026, and 2031.
Of those assets, only the 2031 pick swap is interesting. As for other potential assets, they would likely have to offer up starting center Derick Lively II and Nnaji Marshall if they are serious about acquiring Jones from the Pelicans.
Gutting their frontcourt rotation for Jones is a questionable move at best, one that doesn't necessarily make them better. Especially in the long run, with them having to give up multiple draft assets as well. That seemingly makes a deal for Jones highly unlikely for the Mavericks.
Not only that, but if the Pelicans were to move him, they would likely need at least two first-round picks in exchange for Jones, who is seen as one of the premier three-and-D players in the NBA. That is an extremely valuable skill set, and with him only 26 years old, they could essentially name their price in trade talks with teams, and the Mavericks don't have anywhere near the assets needed to acquire him.
However, just because they may not be able to acquire Jones doesn't mean that the Mavericks won't still be active around the trade deadline. They will just have to set their sights a little lower than Jones' to find someone more in their price range.