The Dallas Mavericks are having a solid season despite a few recent setbacks. They are fourth in the West with a record of 20-12 after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. Kyrie Irving took on the bulk of the scoring load, as he finished with 46 points.
The Mavericks will need Irving’s scoring after receiving the news that Luka Doncic will be out for a while with a calf injury. Being down a star player hurts any team, and if Dallas wants to remain a top team in the competitive West, this may require some moves.
One player that comes to mind is Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma. He has been tied to the Mavs in the past, as one of their trade targets last season, but a deal never happened. His name is attached to Dallas once again, and NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that the 29-year-old champion is intrigued.
“By all indications, he has a lot of interest in going to Dallas.” Fischer said.
Kuzma is averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds on 42% shooting. He recently missed time with a rib injury, but could return on Monday. The Wizards take on the New York Knicks and Kuzma’s name was missing from their injury report. This is a good sign as he missed their last 12 games.
With his return inching closer, this is a perfect time for the Mavericks to make their move. They can include P.J. Washington in a deal and in return, they get a boost on the offensive end. Kuzma gives them another scoring option while Doncic is out. Then, when the five-time All-Star does return, he is a reliable third or fourth option.
As it stands, Fisher said it is unlikely that the Mavericks will trade for Kuzma. But will they have a change of heart? It could happen.
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