Dallas Mavericks: 5 Players to Target as the Trade Deadline Looms

The Dallas Mavericks are in a slump, and are looking more and more like a team whose championship reign will not be repeated.

If their struggles continue, they may legitimately have to battle to simply make the playoffs.

Are the veteran, defending champion Mavericks content to watch their season unfold like this?

Some fans, and maybe even owner Mark Cuban, would argue yes, because Dallas-native Deron Williams and big man Dwight Howard are going to be free agents come the offseason. Dallas is a plausible destination for not just one of them, but potentially both superstars.

Therefore, it's easy to reason that the Mavs should just concede this season and "dream big" about the upcoming offseason. Similar to the Miami Heat in 2010, Dallas could soon create their own version of "Yes. We. Did."

But those hopes can remain without throwing this season down the tubes. There are a handful of players who would be great additions for the 2012 stretch run and playoffs, and adding a couple new pieces could be crucial as the season progresses.

Here are the top players the Mavericks should target as the trade deadline looms. These targets all have something in common: They possess an expiring contract, so their presence in Big D won't financially risk the hopes of landing Williams and/or Howard.

Defending champions should never concede, so seeking a couple of these players is something to pursue if the Mavs desire more than barely squeaking into the playoffs and losing in the first round. 

Ray Allen

With every loss, the Boston Celtics are moving closer and closer to blowing their team up. If they do decide to revamp their roster, Ray Allen will likely be the first player to go.

Allen is 36 years old, but can still unquestionably shoot the ball at quite a rate. He's currently averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting a lofty 48.6 percent from downtown.

At the Mavericks' off-guard position, Jason Terry surely still provides pop off the bench. But new addition Vince Carter and youngster Rodrigue Beaubois (who has actually played well lately) have their struggles with consistency.

Adding Allen would give the Mavericks a steady, proven three-point threat who would help spread the floor. 

The Mavs could propose little used shooting guard Dominique Jones and a draft pick to gain Allen's services for the rest of the year. 

While Allen may not seem to be a pivotal addition at first glance, he could be an X-factor come the playoffs.

Leandro Barbosa

Leandro Barbosa was well-known five years ago. Now, he's essentially been forgotten about, playing for the Toronto Raptors.

But he can still produce. He's averaging 12.1 PPG in only 22 minutes for the lowly Raptors.

He's most likely not a piece of the long-term plan in Toronto, and they'll likely seek to ship him out before the deadline.

It won't take much to receive Barbosa, and he's a good backup plan if Ray Allen is unavailable.

Steve Nash

Steve Nash is still playing at a high level, verified by his recent All-Star appearance and his league-leading assist per game average (11.0).

But there appear to be barriers to trading for the 38-year-old former Maverick. ESPN's Marc Stein has reported that the Suns aren't interested in trading Nash, but would prefer to re-sign him. Apparently, the Suns will only consider trades if Nash asks for one.

Nash would be wise to ask for a trade if he wants to garner a ring before he hangs up the sneakers. It's not like the 16-20 Suns have much promise on their roster.

If Nash is made available, the Mavs should promptly search for a deal. A package featuring Beaubois and young big man Ian Mahinmi would create a deal that the Suns would have to consider.

If Nash and Nowitzki were reunited in Big D, there's every reason to think they could make a title run and help the Mavs repeat as champions.

Antawn Jamison

Antawn Jamison is 35 years old but continues to be a worthwhile offensive contributor. He's averaging 17.4 PPG for the 13-21 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jamison was actually a Mav during the 2003-2004 season, and a return to Dallas could be very helpful for this year's squad.

Besides Dirk, the Mavs lack a player who can score in the frontcourt. Shawn Marion is a slasher, and their array of centers are mainly just rebounders. 

The 6'9" Jamison is versatile, as he can score in the paint and also consistently knock down the long-range shot. 

He, like Barbosa, remains a productive player who could be had at a relatively cheap price. Mahinmi and/or Jones could be enough to land the veteran Jamison. 

Deron Williams

Deron Williams gets included on this list, but not Dwight Howard. Both are obviously long-term options, but Williams is the only one the Mavs could realistically acquire in a trade—and even that is a longshot.

If Orlando decides to trade Howard before the deadline, they will demand a load in return, a load which the Mavs don't possess.

It could be a different story with Williams. 

If the Nets come to the conclusion that Williams is unlikely to return, they would be wise to pursue a deal to receive something for D-Will's skills. They will also want a good deal in return, but Williams' value is not nearly the same as Howard's.

Let's say the Nets make Williams available. The Mavs could propose Beaubois, Brandan Wright and Jones for Williams. That may not be enough for New Jersey to pull the trigger, but it's certainly a deal for them to consider, especially if Williams is going to walk away for nothing in the offseason.

If the Mavs did add Williams before the deadline, they could contend for a repeat title this season. Williams' long-term presence (assuming he agreed to a long-term deal with Dallas) would help woo Howard come the offseason, as they could potentially form the league's most potent duo (rivaling LeBron James and Dwyane Wade).

Conclusion

These players, besides Williams, are short-term additions who could bring substantial help for the remainder of the 2011-2012 season.

If the Mavs desired, they could pursue younger options that would remain around for the foreseeable future. But younger options with lengthy contracts could risk the hope of signing Williams and Howard long-term, and the consensus appears to be to keep cap space free to seek after these two prized superstars.

But the hope of luring Williams and Howard can remain while also still pursuing glory this year. A couple of the aforementioned veteran players could prove to be difference-makers down the stretch. If two are landed (let's say Allen and Nash), a repeat title could be around the corner.