Will the Dallas Mavericks be aggressive before the NBA trade deadline?

NBA Market: Since the arrival of Nico Harrison as the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, the team has undergone significant transformations thanks to strategic moves in the transfer market. In his first three and a half years in the role, Harrison has made several trades that have changed the course of the franchise.

In his first season, he finalized a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards, receiving Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans in return. This decision was crucial for the Mavericks to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011. The following year, Harrison made a strong bet on Kyrie Irving, who arrived in Dallas in a move that initially did not yield the expected results as the team failed to make the playoffs. However, Irving's impact has been significant since then, establishing himself as a key player in the team's performance.

The trend of making big trades at the deadline continued last season with the acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, key moves that led them to the NBA Finals. Each year, this stage of the calendar has been particularly active for Harrison. Will they continue to be aggressive this year after Dereck Lively's injury?

The Mavericks approach this deadline with a 24-22 record after their recent loss to the Boston Celtics. Injuries have marked their season, with all starters missing games, and Luka Doncic being the most affected with 24 games out of action. Without the Slovenian, the team has struggled to win games, making the deadline a crucial opportunity to correct their course. The roster needs improvement, but is this the year to go all-in?

With Doncic's return expected before the All-Star break, his comeback will be the biggest possible reinforcement for the team. However, Harrison could use this window to make a move that strengthens the squad. According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks are actively exploring the market with a more cautious approach compared to previous years. Unlike before, they are not under the same pressure to make a major trade, given the team has shown its capability when fully healthy.

One of the most prominent rumors links Dallas to Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans. Jones would represent a significant upgrade in perimeter defense and frontcourt depth, but his acquisition seems challenging as New Orleans is unwilling to part ways with him, and Jones is currently injured. With the Mavericks' injury woes, it seems unlikely they would opt to add a player in recovery, especially considering the high cost involved.

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