NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Players That Can Finally Get Dallas Mavericks a Title
NBA trade rumors continue to circulate, and the Dallas Mavericks could get involved.
Dallas tried to go after LeBron James in the offseason, but did acquire Tyson Chandler, which has paid dividends already. The Mavericks are currently second in the Western Conference with a 22-5 record entering tonight's game with Orlando, and just snapped Miami's 12-game winning streak with a 98-96 victory on Monday.
"That's two good teams playing and going back forth the entire game -- very competitive until the fourth,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the Miami Herald. "The bottom line is they made bigger plays down the stretch more consistently than we did and hit some big shots.''
Dallas has showed it belongs among the NBA's elite, but what about the postseason? Can they contend for a title? Is there another key part they can obtain?
Perhaps. Here are 10 players who could put them over the top:
10. Kenyon Martin
1 of 10
Once Denver deals Carmelo Anthony, Martin is expected to be the next player to leave. Martin's been out all year with a knee injury and has said he will take his time recovering. A trade to Dallas would bring Martin to his hometown, and give Mark Cuban a chance to benefit from a player that caused him headaches in the playoffs. Martin could rehab and take his team. As long as he's ready by the playoffs, he could be a huge plus for the Mavs.
9. Josh Howard
2 of 10
Imagine how awkward this would be to have their former first-round pick return. Howard's stint with Dallas ended on a down note, and he signed a one-year $3 million with Washington during the offseason. He could come at a cheap price, and be a good scoring option off the bench.
8. Antawn Jamison
3 of 10
He could be one of the players Cleveland trades off, and would give Dallas a quality player to come off the bench and help on the glass. One potential trading chip Dallas could use is Caron Butler, who has an expiring contract.
7. Mike Dunleavy
4 of 10
He was once the No.3 overall pick in the NBA Draft, but hasn't lived up to his promise. He still can contribute, however, averaging 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. His pricetag ($10.56 million for this year) could keep teams from pursuing him, but teams who want a shooter may come after him.
6. JR Smith
5 of 10
He has an expiring contract, and is tremendously talented, but his behavior has also caused problems with Denver and coach George Karl. He may be worth the risk with Dallas, and don't think for a second that this veteran team would allow him to get away with any outbursts that would effect their chemistry.
5. Carmelo Anthony
6 of 10
Would Dallas rent him for the year and prepare to gamble with resigning him in the offseason? Anthony would give Dallas one more potential big name to pursue, and he could be a key piece for their future as Dirk Nowitzki nears the backside of his career.
4. Stephen Jackson
7 of 10
The 6-foot-8 wing has a big contract (3 years, $27.7 million) and could be one of the players Charlotte cuts loose if it doesn't remain in contention for the postseason. Jackson, a native of Port Arthur, could also return home to Texas and give the Mavs a little nasty edge.
3. Rasual Butler
8 of 10
The swingman would give Dallas another outside shooter, and also plays great on defense. Dallas is one of the teams that would make sense for Butler if he's moved.
2. Kevin Martin
9 of 10
Dallas could pull off this trade if it sends Brendan Haywood plus an additional player to Houston. Martin (pictured, 12) has been a player Dallas been interested in before, but haven't been able to make the move. Now could be the perfect time.
1. Andre Iguodala
10 of 10
One possible way to pull off this deal: The Mavs get Iggy, Jodie Meeks and Jason Kapono and ship off Caron Butler, Dominique Jones and DeShawn Stevenson. Jones is a young talent, and could sweeten this deal. He also has two years left on his contract.
