Five possible trade targets for the BullsThe Dallas Mavericks were among the league’s hottest teams three weeks ago. The group had recently defeated the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves to start a three-game winning streak.
But fast-forward to the present, and Dallas has experienced ups and downs. Without their best players, the Mavericks lost to the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies last week.
This week, things got a little better when the Mavericks exacted retribution on the Pelicans. On Wednesday, though, the group lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 127-110.
Five possible trade targets for the Dallas Mavericks from the Bulls’ instability
Numerous factors can be associated to the issue. First and foremost, the primary problem was injuries. Due to a sprained ankle, All-Star Luka Doncic missed three games this month. A handful of games were missed by rookie Dereck Lively II due to an ankle ailment.
The guard Dante Exum is one player who has missed a lot of time. This season, the Mavericks guard has proven to be an invaluable member of the club. Exum became the team’s main starter thanks to his excellent play on both sides of the ball.
There have also been problems with defense and rebounding. Dallas let the opposition score 62 points inside the paint against the Lakers on Wednesday. Star Anthony Davis, who finished the game with 28 points and 12 rebounds, dominated the Mavs in the low post. When Dallas gave up 60 points inside the paint against the Pelicans on Monday, the same pattern was evident.
Rebounding is an additional issue. The Mavericks now share the sixth-worst rebounding average in the NBA. The only players that average more over seven boards per game are Doncic and Lively II.
Therefore, it goes without saying that the Mavs’ roster needs to be upgraded. Adding a defensive anchor or another big guy to the team is one issue that needs to be addressed.
The Chicago Bulls are one team that could meet Dallas’ requirements. Given their agitation over the prospect of dealing All-Star Zach Lavine, the Eastern Conference may be sellers at the trade deadline.
What about the other players on the roster, though? Which additional players is Chicago able to trade?
These are the five Bulls prospects that the Mavericks ought to pursue.
5. Torrey Craig
Torrey Craig, a small forward, should be the Mavs’ first priority. Entering his sixth season in the NBA, the veteran has proven to be an invaluable role player for Chicago.
Craig is shooting 38.2 percent from three this season. He made 39.5 percent of his long-range shots last season. Two seasons ago, Craig failed to shoot more than 33 percent from the 3-point line. This is an improvement.
He plays excellent defense, stopping players from scoring down low with his body. Both the small forward and power forward positions are interchangeable with him. Craig’s large physique is noticeable since he doesn’t hesitate to guard the strongest player on the floor or seize the lead.
Before he was hurt, Craig was also doing well. He shot 53.6 percent from outside the arc and averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in December.
Craig may not need to be traded for, but his presence alone might equal Exum’s success. He can perform well on both ends of the floor, much like the Mavs guard, and he would be an improvement over some of the other players on the Mavs’ bench.
Overall, it wouldn’t be all that horrible to trade for Craig. He would probably be less expensive than any of his teammates.Unrest around the Dallas Mavericks
GET MORE NEWS HERE