Why Mavericks' Biggest Trade Deadline Need Might Not Be What Fans Expect

The Dallas Mavericks are getting closer to the NBA trade deadline.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg reacts during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks are going into the trade deadline hoping to be a little less dramatic than they were a year ago.

Last season, they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that is still shocking to the entire league. In return, they received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. They also sent out Quentin Grimes for Caleb Martin. But this year, they are likely going for a more conservative approach.

This year's deadline for the Mavericks isn't necessarily about which players the team ends up acquiring, but rather about shedding some salary to build some cap space for the future.

READ MORE: 5 Trades for Dallas Mavericks to Consider Ahead of NBA's Deadline

Dallas Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Mavs Looking For Salary Cap Relief, Not Players

On the final day of January, the Mavericks find themselves in 11th place in the Western Conference, which is exactly where they were at the end of last season. The team is 3.5 games back of the Los Angeles Clippers for the final spot in the play-in tournament, so their chances of making the postseason are still alive and well, but it is going to be an uphill battle between now and the middle of April.

With that in mind, the Mavericks should be looking for ways to build for the future, which could mean trading players like Anthony Davis, Naji Marshall, or point guard D'Angelo Russell, who could help the team find some cap relief.

If the Mavericks can figure out a way to shed some salary and focus more on the younger players on the roster like Cooper Flagg and Ryan Nembhard, the team will be in a better position long-term to know what they need around these players in order for the team to succeed in the future.

In the meantime, the Mavericks are back in action against their division rival Houston Rockets. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT inside the Toyota Center in Houston. Fans can watch the game on ABC or stream it on the ESPN app.

READ MORE: What the Mavericks Actually Need at the Trade Deadline — And What They Don't

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