NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks in "strong" pursuit to pair Luka Doncic with Zion Williamson's $53,827,872 teammate 

The latest NBA trade rumors suggest the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks will pursue Zion Williamson's teammate, Herbert Jones. NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that the Mavericks have a "strong interest" in him. He's the ideal fit next to Doncic and Kyrie Irving because of his defensive versatility. Jones, logistically, is an acquirable target. He's on a four-year $53,827,872 contract, making $12,976,362 this season.

His salary would marginally increase over the next two years of his remaining contract. The Mavericks could dangle Daniel Gafford's $13,394,160 contract with another minimum deal to match salaries and get under the cap. Jones is averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals for his career across four seasons. He's a 36.6% 3-point shooter.

The 26-year-old could be a long-term fit with Doncic, who will turn 26 in February. Jones made the first-team All-Defensive team last season. He's been injured this year, playing only 20 games, and has a torn labrum in his right shoulder. However, his indefinite status doesn't alter the Mavericks' plans for him.

They are looking to upgrade their defense and have reportedly made Gafford available in trade talks despite the center's solid production since he joined the team at the last trade deadline. Gafford has been the ideal big man alongside Luka Doncic, but the Mavericks' need for more perimeter defense potentially outweighs their desire to retain the veteran center.

Gafford is also a valuable asset who could be flipped for better deals by the teams he lands on if they don't wish to keep him.

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Pelicans have no interest in trading Herbert Jones amid Luka Doncic-led Mavericks' pursuit

The Pelicans have maintained that they don't wish to trade Herbert Jones despite Luka Doncic-led Mavericks showing interest in the defensive stalwart. According to Stein, the Pelicans are "discouraging" trade interest in Jones. It makes sense for New Orleans, as he is one of their best prospects.

At 26, he's slightly older for a rebuild, but the Pelicans may want to continue contending next year with Zion Williamson as a centerpiece. They were held back by an injury buck this season, resulting in their 11-32 record at the time of writing.

The Pelicans remain focused on elevating the roster around Williamson for next year. According to trade rumors, the player and his agent are not pushing for a trade ahead of the deadline.