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

#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.