Dallas Mavericks Reportedly Gauging Trade Interest in Shawn Marion, Shane Larkin
Never content to stand pat, Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks are looking to make some upgrades, according to Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy:
Marion has been with the Mavs since the 2009-10 season, making him the longest-tenured Maverick besides franchise face Dirk Nowitzki.
He's also a reasonably valuable trade commodity, averaging 10.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. Better yet, his $9.3 million salary comes off the books at season's end, making him an ideal acquisition for teams looking to explore the free-agent market this summer.
Larkin, meanwhile, is the rookie Dallas selected with the 18th-overall pick in last summer's draft. Though he's only played 11.8 minutes a game, there's plenty to like about the Miami product. He scored an efficient 18 points in 27 minutes against the Phoenix Suns in February, demonstrating the kind of quickness and instincts that could intrigue a team looking to add backcourt depth.
The bottom line for Dallas will be surrounding Nowitzki with personnel capable of making one last push for the Finals. A dynamic wing scorer would go a long way in furthering that cause, alleviating the pressure that's thus far been borne by Marion and sixth man Vince Carter.
Alternatively, Dallas could move Carter into the starting lineup and pursue a more conventional sixth man who could relieve guards Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis. If a beneficial opportunity emerges, you can expect Cuban and Co. to jump on it aggressively.
At the very least, they're willing to listen, as Cuban told KRLD-FM (via SportsDayDFW.com): "We're answering the phone, we're always open minded. There's no slam dunks. It wouldn't shock me if we did something; it wouldn't shock me if we didn't."
Of course, when it comes to Cuban's wheeling and dealing, nothing's shocking.
