NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks Prioritizing PFs Over SFs at Deadline Amid Kuzma Buzz

Amid trade buzz surrounding Washington Wizards power forward Kyle Kuzma, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly prioritizing landing power forwards over small forwards, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

According to Stein, Dallas is looking for more size to aid its defensive struggles. Kuzma along with Charlotte Hornets power forward PJ Washington, have emerged as possible trade targets for the Mavericks.

"Dallas has been frequently mentioned as a potential trade suitor for both Washington's Kyle Kuzma and Charlotte's Washington in recent weeks and are still, I'm told, prioritizing power forwards over small forwards in its quest to address the team's size and defensive shortcomings," Stein wrote.

In his third season in Washington, Kuzma is putting up 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as the Wizards struggle, sitting at 9-39 on the year.

While the Mavericks have thrived on offense this season behind star Luka Dončić, their defense has struggled and is a big reason why the team sits in eighth place in the Western Conference. This season, Dallas has the 24th-ranked defense with a 117.9 rating.

The Mavericks' lack of size is certainly an issue, with just a handful of true big men on the roster. Adding the 6'9" Kuzma could help their issues to some extent.

Dallas could also have a valuable option if it trades for Washington, who stands at 6-foot-7 but brings solid defense, averaging 0.8 blocks this season. Kuzma would give the Mavericks more of a scoring option, as Washington averages just 13.6 points per game, but they would also likely pay a higher price for Kuzma.

Whatever direction the Mavericks decide to go, it's clear some additional help on defense could be what they need to get to the next level.