NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks exploring affordable center trade amid injury setbacks to prioritize two-way player need

The Dallas Mavericks made a memorable trip to the NBA Finals in 2024, and there was considerable optimism surrounding their prospects of repeating the feat heading into this season. However, a 24-22 start has them ninth in the West, and a defeat to the Boston Celtics in their NBA Finals rematch on Saturday has led to questions about their capability to mount a serious title charge for the season.

The Mavericks have struggled mightily with injuries this season, with Maxi Kleber's injury the latest on a long list that has seriously hampered the roster. The Dallas franchise has seen players miss a cumulative 149 games due to injury as key players Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II continue to miss games.

Ahead of next month's trade deadline, the primary target for the Mavericks reportedly was to add two-way depth to the roster. However, it seems that their front-court injury issues have almost forced their hand toward looking for low-cost big-man options on top of their continued search for two-way depth, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel.

Daniel Gafford remains the only available center option for the Mavericks. Dallas coach Jason Kidd even joked about having to play Kyrie Irving at center, while discussing the crisis the team finds itself in. Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber, who offered depth alongside Daniel Gafford, have all been ruled out with injuries for upcoming games.

With only four future draft picks entirely under their control, the Mavericks are strapped tight in terms of resources available at their disposal to necessitate a future trade.

A big shake-up is not to be expected under the circumstances. However, moves around the corners of the existing roster may be necessary to keep the team competitive and to ensure they are within a shout of contention once Luka Doncic is back to full fitness.

Mavericks expect Luka Doncic to return before the All-Star break, according to reports

Had Luka Doncic been out for longer, the Mavs may have looked to capitalize on a high draft pick in 2025 as the 2025 first-rounder is one of the only picks available at their disposal. However, with their headline player expected to return shortly, other moves to make the roster competitive akin to their acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford are likely to be on the team's agenda.

Mid-season moves for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford in 2023-24 proved game-changing for the Mavericks - Source: Getty

While offseason acquisitions Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson alleviated some of their two-way depth concerns, with the injury crisis the Mavericks have endured this season, it would appear that they require further reinforcements with athleticism and length identified as priorities, according to Brett Siegel.

The Mavericks have not been reported to be players interested in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes and would ideally want to supplement the roster with players who match the Luka Doncic timeline that they are on. The management has not reached a stage of desperation yet and seemingly will make moves only if the opportunity presents itself. While an aggressive move wasn't necessary until this point, chasing for big man depth may prove necessary sooner rather than later.

Names such as Herb Jones and Jordan Clarkson have been linked with trades to the Mavs at various points during the season. While Jones would be a great fit to address their two-way depth concerns, with the big man crisis they face, it is unlikely that they turn towards Jordan Clarkson at the moment.