5 Under-the-radar trade targets for Mavericks before the deadline

The Dallas Mavericks are getting an MVP-caliber season from Luka Doncic, but flirting with the Play-In Tournament. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, and Dallas does not want to be on the outside looking in again come playoff time. The Mavs should be aggressive in upgrading their roster before the deadline but have limited trade assets. They won’t be able to land a star but do not rule out a key move.

The Mavs must keep Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving healthy. Irving has already missed 16 games, and Dallas cannot afford to lose any more. Dallas ranks 23rd in defensive rating and would love to add another 3-and-D wing to their mix. They also could use another center to pair with rookie Derrick Lively II.

There have been plenty of rumors with the trade deadline just over one month away. The Mavs do not have assets to land a talked-about option, but here are some under-the-radar targets for Nico Harrison and the front office to explore.

5. Cedi Osman

Luka makes the talent around him better. Derrick Jones Jr. averaged under 20 minutes per game for two straight years before becoming the Mavericks starter. The 6’5 forward makes shots and defends multiple positions. Dallas needs role players to round out their postseason rotation, and Osman could be a fantastic fit who blossoms like DJJ.

The 6’7 forward played 18.6 minutes per game in the playoffs last season for the Cavaliers before being traded to San Antonio in the offseason. Osman’s stats don’t jump off the screen, but he guards multiple positions, sinks open shots, and makes the right plays. He is a quality bench option willing to play any role and could be the best version of himself playing off number 77 in Dallas.

Cedi Osman is on a $6.7 million expiring contract and figures to be on the trade block. The Spurs are rebuilding and do not need to keep the 28-year-old on their roster. Osman won’t create headlines, but he can help a contender like the Dallas Mavericks.