1 trade the Mavericks must make after Derek Lively II’s injury

The Dallas Mavericks dropped to 23-21 after their 115-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, it was revealed that the center Derek Lively II is expected to miss two to three months with an ankle injury. Dallas is now tied for eighth in the Western Conference standings as injuries continue to affect their season.

Some NBA insiders are suggesting that 2024-25 is simply not the season for the Mavs and that the team should consider preparing for 2025-26. Still others believe in the Mavs. With NBA trade deadline just a few weeks away, should dallas look to make a significant trade?

Currently, Daniel Gafford is the starting center. Maxi Kleber became the backup center, and Dwight Powell can help things when he comes back from injury. However, with Lively outThe Mavs could use a more reliable backup center. The question is whether it’s worth looking for a center, because Lively could be back in a couple of months.

Dallas must find a way to reach the postseason despite their current circumstances. The Mavs’ rebounding has been lackluster at times this season, and Kleber, while capable of stretching the floor, isn’t the best rebounder or rim protector. So if Niko Harrison still believes in the Mavs’ postseason chances, then the desire to trade for another center, to go along with a guard or wing for depth purposes, should be a priority.

The Mavericks could be looking to acquire Andre Drummond in trade

So who exactly should the Mavs be looking for?

Dallas needs a player known for his rebounding ability and ability to protect the basket. Gafford can do both, and has improved as a scorer this year. As a result, the Mavs backup just needs to focus on helping out on the boards and on the defensive end of the floor. Any potential offense he commits will help, but it’s not a priority for his role.

Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers averaged 12.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his career. In 2024-25, Drummond is averaging 7.6 rebounds per game while averaging just under 20 minutes per outing. While averaging just 0.4 blocks per game this season, Drummond can still play respectable defense.

Drummond would be a quality backup for Gafford. The Mavs could come up with a different rotation once Lively returns, but with their postseason chances continuing to dwindle at this point, the Mavs need to think about it right away.

However, what would a trade for Drummond look like?

Potential trade

The Mavericks would have to trade two players to get Drummond and the versatile wing/guard. Here’s what a potential trade could look like between the Mavericks and 76ers.

Mavs get: Andre Drummond, Ricky Council IV

76ers get: Spencer DinwiddieDwight Powell

It would be a tough decision to sell Dinwiddie. He is a veteran who has the ability to score around the basket and behind the arc while also creating plays for his teammates. However, with the possibility of guard Dante Exum returning from injury soon, the Mavs could trade Dinwiddie in this deal.

Moving on from Powell would be a challenge for sentimental reasons, as he played in Dallas for 10 seasons. Of course, the Mavs shouldn’t let sentimentality get in the way of an impressive trade.

Drummond would immediately improve the Mavericks’ rebounding. He would also be a force on defense and could contribute from an offensive standpoint as well. His point would be an added bonus.

Council, 23, can play guard or small forward at 6’6″. He’s only in his second season and has shown signs of potential, so the 76ers may be hesitant to trade him. However, adding a player like Dinwiddie, who is arguably the best player in this trade, may interest Philly.

The Mavericks don’t have to make this specific trade, but acquiring Drummond would help their chances of staying atop the Western Conference standings. Luka Doncic could return from injury fairly quickly, and then Dallas could end up playing more consistent basketball.

The Mavs shouldn’t give up on the season despite their recent struggles and injury concerns.