5 perimeter defenders Mavericks could target by listing $40 million center on trade block 

The Dallas Mavericks look to be on the hunt for a perimeter defender that could help Luka Doncic's lackluster defense. However, to achieve their goal, it seems that Dallas will need to add their rim protector, Daniel Gafford in any potential trade deal. According to reports, Gafford will be one of the key trade pieces if the team does end up finding the right perimeter defender.

Gafford is currently in the second year of his three-year, $40 million deal. He's expected to make approximately $27.7 million in the remainder of his contract, which could help in fetching a more valuable player in the trade. The question now is, who should Dallas pursue?

Here's a breakdown of the top five perimeter defenders the Dallas Mavericks could look to pursue.

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Top 5 perimeter defenders Mavericks could pursue via trade

#1. Cason Wallace

NBA: Boston Celtics at Oklahoma City Thunder - Source: Imagn

The OKC Thunder are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season. This is thanks to the efforts of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. All three Thunder players are some of the top perimeter defenders in the league today, with "SGA" and Williams ranking first and second, respectively, while Wallace is fourth.

With a defensive rating of 104.5, the Mavericks might be interested in pursuing Cason Wallace. The trade makes sense as well. Looking at Wallace's contract, he currently has approximately $18.7 million remaining. If Gafford will be the trade piece, Dallas could secure some picks alongside Cason.

The only concern in this trade is Wallace's position as a point guard, which is where Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving primarily play. However, it doesn't mean that the Mavericks can't come up with a rotation that has Wallace helping either Doncic or Irving on defense in certain scenarios.

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#2. Amen Thompson

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets - Source: Imagn

Another good defensive team this season is the Houston Rockets. They've proven to be worthy of everyone's praise this year given how they've consistently remained in second place in the Western Conference. A huge part of the Rockets' success on defense is because of Amen Thompson.

Thompson is the sixth-best perimeter defender in the league with a defensive rating of 105.5. He's also the second-best defender for the Rockets, lagging behind their rising star center Alperen Sengun.

Contract-wise, the situation would be similar to Cason Wallace if Dallas traded Daniel Gafford in exchange for Amen Thompson. He currently has approximately $18.9 million remaining in his contract with a club option worth $12.2 million.

If this trade ever comes to fruition, the Mavericks secure another perimeter defender while the Rockets secure a backup center for Alperen Sengun.

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#3. Naz Reid

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder - Source: Imagn

If Dallas is looking to replace its center with another center, then Naz Reid could be the perfect option. Reid is among the top 20 best defenders in the league this season with a defensive rating of 109.2.

Daniel Gafford and Naz Reid have similar contract situations. They're both signed to three-year contracts and are both in their second season. Gafford has a remainder of $27.7 million while Reid has a remainder of $29 million. The Mavericks could throw in some picks to make the trade offer more enticing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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#4. Jabari Smith Jr.

NBA: Miami Heat at Houston Rockets - Source: Imagn

If the Mavericks want to go a different direction instead of pursuing Amen Thompson, they could try to get Jabari Smith Jr. Despite his young age, he's already among the top 25 best perimeter defenders in the league.

With $22.1 million remaining in his contract, having him traded for Gafford shouldn't be a problem. Both teams get to maintain their size while still securing solid rim protectors.

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#5. Dyson Daniels

NBA: Phoenix Suns at Atlanta Hawks - Source: Imagn

Finally, there's Dyson Daniels. If Dallas looks to secure a perimeter defender while getting a few extra players and draft picks in exchange, knocking on the Atlanta Hawks' door could be their best bet.

With $13.7 million remaining in Daniels' contract, the Mavericks can demand another player or maybe several picks in exchange for Daniel Gafford.

Which perimeter defender do you think the Dallas Mavericks should pursue via trade? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.