The Dallas Mavericks are learning the hard way that it takes more than just an NBA superstar to have a competitive team. Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the world, but even he is struggling to keep this team afloat on a nightly basis.
There is a lot of pressure on him to carry the load offensively virtually by himself. Spencer Dinwiddie is the only other reliable ball handler that the team has, putting the onus on Doncic to create for himself and his teammates. That has led to some monster performances and big games, but we are not yet at Christmas and Doncic is already showing signs of wear and tear.
Dallas needs to make a move sooner or later to get him the help that he needs. They are sorely missing Jalen Brunson, who signed a free-agent deal to become the starting point guard of the New York Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis is also thriving with the Washington Wizards, looking like the player Dallas had hoped he would be for them before trading him ahead of the deadline.
Speaking of the Knicks, they could be someone that the Mavericks look to do business with ahead of the trade deadline this season. There have been rumors about New York shopping four different players; Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose, Cam Reddish, and Immanuel Quickley. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, many people believe Quickley is a good target for Dallas.
“New York may be open to bigger deals that include Derrick Rose, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, but only if it brings back players to help further the team’s playoff chances. Perhaps the Wizards would make a deal with enough draft compensation for Kuzma. Some competing executives agree that the Dallas Mavericks should target Quickley, if available.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Quickley would provide the ball handling that Dallas is sorely missing behind Doncic and Dinwiddie. He has showcased a better handle on running offenses this season, which is part of the reason Rose has been removed from the rotation.
His 3-point shooting has not been there yet this season, but Quickley would be a huge upgrade for Dallas. He is also a very good defender and rebounder, two areas that the Mavericks have struggled mightily.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The biggest question for Dallas, however, is whether can they afford Quickley. The Knicks aren’t actively shopping him and it will take at least a future first-round pick to acquire him. But, with the rotation changes that Tom Thibodeau has made, it would not be shocking if the price for Quickley went up as he is an integral part of the team’s second unit and rotation.
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