NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players the Mavericks should keep out of trade talks this month

After the Dallas Mavericks made a poor start to the 2018/19 NBA season, there was cause for concern among the team's fanbase. After two decades with the team, Nowitzki is set to retire in the summer, and the German's retirement has long been a source of worry for Mavericks fans.

Nowitzki's retirement, combined with the team's poor start to the season had caused many fans to expect a rebuild in the summer, however, Luka Doncic has emerged as one of the most exciting talents to enter the NBA in the last decade, and the Mavericks now look set to have an exciting future without their longtime German star.

With Luka Doncic leading the team, the Mavericks have recovered from their poor start, and now hold a record of 18-22. Despite sitting 15th in the Western Conference standings, the team is currently just four games back from the playoff spots, and Mavericks are still hopeful that they can squeeze into the postseason. Nevertheless, trades are likely this month, and here we will look at three members of the roster that the Mavericks should keep out of discussions.

---

#3 Wesley Matthews

Dallas Mavericks Media Day

Since November, Wesley Matthews has constantly been linked with a trade away from the Dallas Mavericks. Matthews is one of the most senior players on the Dallas roster, and his expiring contract has resulted in Matthews being linked to a number of teams in the Eastern Conference.

Nevertheless, if the Mavericks are serious about making a run to the 2019 playoffs, the team will need to retain a player that is currently averaging 13.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. While Matthews current contract is overpriced, the Mavericks should be able to sign Matthews to a deal that offers better value during the 2019 offseason, so it makes no sense to trade the 32-year-old away.

#2 Jose Juan Barea

Dallas Mavericks v Denver Nuggets

Back in 2014, J.J. Barea signed with the Dallas Mavericks, returning to the franchise for a second stint. Barea had previously been for the team between 2006 and 2011, as the Mavericks had offered the point guard a place on their roster after Barea went undrafted during the 2006 NBA draft. While Barea has never been a regular starter within the league, the veteran has always been among the better back up point guards in the NBA.

The 2018/19 season has been no different., as despite playing less than 20 minutes per game, the 34-year-old is averaging 10.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds. Barea continues to provide a major impact on the team from the bench, and due to his upcoming free agency, a number of contenders are looking at the guard. Nevertheless, the Mavericks will get little in return for the veteran and should be working on convincing Barea to sign a new deal this summer.

#1 Dennis Smith Jr.

New York Knicks v Dallas Mavericks

Marc Stein and the New York Times last month reported that the Dallas Mavericks were considering a trade for Dennis Smith Jr. This was a major cause of alarm for many Mavericks fans, who were hoping that the organization would build sustained success on the young duo of Smith Jr. and Luka Donic.

Smith Jr. was only last season picked up by the Mavericks, as Dallas used their 9th pick on the 21-year-old guard. In his debut season, Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, and at the end of the season was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Smith has continued to impress this season, and he has managed to significantly improve his accuracy from behind the arc (.375). Ultimately, it would be extremely short-sighted to trade away a young player with such a bright future, and the Mavericks should not contemplate any trade offers for Smith.