NBA Trade Rumors: 3 trade destinations for Dennis Smith Jr

It was reported earlier this week by multiple sources that the Dallas Mavericks are looking to trade away Dennis Smith Jr. This was a major surprise, as the Mavericks only picked the point guard with the ninth pick of the 2017 draft, and Smith Jr. had already firmly established himself as a key player to the team.

In his debut season, Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, and the youngster's performances earned him a place on the All-Rookie Second Team. Smith Jr.'s influence has been slightly reduced this season due to the addition of Luka Doncic, however, the 21-year-old has still managed to contribute 12.6 points and 3.9 assists per game.

Nevertheless, it is believed that the Mavericks cannot see Doncic and Smith Jr operating in the same team, so the decision was made to sacrifice last seasons draft pick. Despite the Mavericks deciding he wasn't a good fit for their team, Smith Jr. is likely to attract significant interest on the trade market this month, and here we will look at three teams that could make a move for the young point guard.

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#3 New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Dallas Mavericks

The New York Knicks are currently gearing up to make a number of huge moves during the 2019 offseason, although the team still needs to address their issues at the point guard position. 20-year-old Frank Ntilikina has shown promise this season, however, the Knicks have been reluctant to go all in on the French star, and at just one year older, Dennis Smith Jr. is a much better prospect for the future.

The Knicks are trying to clear cap space this month, as the team is looking to offload players such as Enes Kanter and Noah Vonleh. Despite this, Smith Jr's rookie deal will not hinder the Knicks summer plans to pursue free-agents such as Kevin Durant, and the Knicks have an opportunity to pick up one of the most exciting youngsters in the NBA.

#2 Orlando Magic

Dennis Smith Jr for the Dallas Mavericks v New York Knicks

The Orlando Magic have had long term issues at the point guard position, and the team has once again failed to address the situation this season. The Magic are currently starting D.J. Augustin, although the 31-year-old has never been a regular starter in the NBA, and many analysts from around the league believe that Augustin is better suited to a role from the bench.

Orlando has looked towards youth in recent years, and at the age of 21, Smith Jr. would fit in with this trend. The Magic would be signing a player who will continue to develop, but at the same time would immediately offer more production than Augustin. Ultimately, the Mavericks man could be a great fit for the Magic, although Orlando may have to give up Mo Bamba in exchange for Smith Jr.

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

Dallas Mavericks v New Orleans Pelicans

Rajon Rondo exited the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 offseason, and the franchise has yet to address the hole caused by his absence. Elfrid Payton has been starting for the Pelicans in recent weeks, although the team is going to struggle to reach the playoffs with a point guard who is only contributing 11.0 points and 5.4 assists per game.

The Orlando Magic last year decided that Payton was not good enough to start for their struggling team, and the 24-year-old will also become a free agent in the summer. There is little debate that Smith Jr would be an upgrade over Payton, and the former Magic man could still be used from the bench.

The Pelicans are currently outside the Western Conference playoff places, although the addition of Smith Jr. alongside another star could help guide the team to the postseason, and give the franchise a final shot at convincing Anthony Davis to stay.