3 players Dallas Mavericks should chase after Dorian Finney-Smith lands with Lakers

With NBA trade season heating up, the Dallas Mavericks could seemingly be the next team to make a sizeable deal to bolster their roster.

On Sunday, the LA Lakers landed one of the biggest fish on the trade market: Brooklyn Nets two-way forward Dorian Finney-Smith. The organization acquired the ex-Maverick and guard Shake Milton in exchange for sixth man D'Angelo Russell, wing Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round draft picks.

Per Forbes' Evan Sidery's Dec. 20 report, Dallas has also "shown a willingness to discuss draft compensation in exploratory talks to land an impact addition." Sidery added that fans should "keep an eye on the Mavericks' 2025 first-round pick potentially being used before the (Feb. 6 NBA trade) deadline."

Dallas has since lost its top player, superstar guard Luka Doncic, to a left calf strain during Wednesday's 105-99 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic will reportedly be re-evaluated in one month, leaving the Mavericks shorthanded offensively.

However, there are still a few players the franchise could target via trade to alleviate the loss of Doncic and better equip itself for another deep playoff run.

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3 players Dallas Mavericks could pursue ahead of NBA trade deadline

#3 Bogdan Bogdanovic

Atlanta Hawks combo guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Atlanta Hawks combo guard Bogdan Bogdanovic has gotten off to a slow start this season and is currently sidelined due to a left lower leg contusion. However, the eight-year veteran is less than a year removed from a top-five NBA Sixth Man of the Year finish.

Across 79 games last season, Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 42.8% and 37.4% from downtown. Given his relatively reasonable $17.3 million salary this season, he could be an affordable trade target to back up Doncic and bolster Dallas' bench scoring.

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#2 Kyle Kuzma

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (Image Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images)

Another potential buy-low candidate, Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has long been connected to the Mavericks. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer's Sunday report, Kuzma "has a lot of interest in going to Dallas," where he would likely serve as the team's tertiary scoring option.

The franchise reportedly registered interest in the 2020 NBA champion last season amid his career-best production. Over 70 outings, Kuzma averaged a personal-best 22.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.2 3pg, shooting 46.3%.

However, Kuzma's scoring (15.3 ppg) and shooting efficiency (42.1%) have since dropped off considerably through 13 appearances this season. So, Dallas would likely have to be confident in the eight-year veteran's bounce-back ability to trade multiple rotation pieces for his $23.5 million salary.

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#1 Cameron Johnson

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

One of the most in-demand players on the trade market, Nets forward Cameron Johnson is having a career year in a featured offensive role.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein's Sunday report, Brooklyn wants "multiple first-round picks" in return for the sharpshooter. However, Stein noted that opposing teams may be hesitant to meet the rebuilding franchise's steep asking price.

Thus, Dallas could offer a deal featuring veteran contracts, young talent and its 2025 first-rounder for Johnson, who marks an ideal fit for most contenders.

Through 30 contests, he is averaging a career-high 19.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.1 apg, 0.9 spg and 3.2 3pg, shooting 48.8% and 42.9% from deep. The sixth-year player is making $22.5 million this season, slightly less than Kuzma despite delivering more efficient offensive production.

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