The NBA season is moving at a fast pace, and the NBA Trade deadline is quickly approaching. In a few weeks, some teams will make their final moves for the season, and other teams will make trades to make a playoff push. Many will be making moves for their future. For example, a team like the L.A Lakers could trade for an Anthony Davis-caliber player, or a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers could trade for draft picks.
In the meantime, trade rumors will circulate around the NBA. One of the trade rumors this week involves Dennis Smith Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Mavericks are discussing a trade for Dennis Smith Jr; additionally, the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic have engaged in talks with the Mavericks.
The Mavericks drafted Smith in the 2017 NBA draft as the ninth pick. In his rookie year, he averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists, and while he had a solid rookie year, it was ultimately overshadowed by his draftmates. Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons and Jayson Tatum were the finalists for Rookie of the Year; Simmons ended up winning. Although Smith wasn’t a finalist, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
This year, Smith averages 12.6 points and 3.9 assists. He has missed three straight games with a sore back. He is also questionable for today’s game against the Spurs, being out due to an illness.
The Mavericks are 13th in the Western Conference with a record of 20-23. Their forward, Luka Doncic, is having an exceptional rookie year. He averages 20.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and five assists, and is the favorite for Rookie of the Year. A young core of Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. seems like a promising future, but the Mavericks have other plans.
Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell at the 2018 NBA Las Vegas Summer League
(Image Courtesy of Garrett Ellwood/NBAE Getty Images)
The NBA Trade Deadline takes place on Feb.7, 2019. There is a chance Dennis Smith Jr. could be traded. There is also a chance that he stays with the Mavericks. Regardless, the player has a bright future ahead of him.
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