Report: The Mavericks are favorites to add third star despite fit concerns

After missing the playoffs last season, the Dallas Mavericks have bounced back in a big way thanks to a strong off-season and terrific play by Luka Doncic. However, they may not be done improving and have even emerged as the frontrunner to land a third star ahead of the trade deadline.

The Mavericks have already used up much of their assets in previous deals to land stars, but they may have enough to land one from the Golden State Warriors. With four-time Warriors all-star Draymond Green suspended indefinitely, his future with Golden State is very much in question.

While he is under contract for the next three seasons, if Golden State decides to move on from him, there are several teams that could be interested, and the Mavericks are viewed as the frontrunners to land him in that event.

Draymond Green could both help and hurt the Mavericks.

While Green isn't a ball-dominant player, he is known for his playmaking, but he would primarily play off the ball when paired with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Green isn't a shooter, so teams are certain to sag off him, potentially resulting in Dallas only having two shooters around Doncic in the starting lineup.

However, he doesn't necessarily have to start and could even play center off the bench. Historically, lineups that feature Green at the five perform well on offense, and Dallas could assuredly build one with Kyrie, Doncic, and Green. Of course, Green's primary value would be on the defensive end, and the Mavericks may be willing to sacrifice offensive firepower to get meaningfully better on the other end of the floor.

That alone could justify trading for Green, though the Mavericks did a similar trade in 2014 with Rajon Rondo, hoping that he would boost their title chances only for him to torpedo their season. Green is far more erratic at this point than Rondo was and there is a chance that he would be more of a detriment than an asset.

With the Western Conference wide open, Dallas may make a move to boost their chances, and while they are favored to land Draymond, they should be cautious should he become available.