A fatal mistake the Mavericks must correct at the 2025 NBA trade deadline

There is no doubt that it is The Dallas Mavericks are proving to be a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, when their superstar trio is healthy. However, both Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic struggled to stay healthy. On the other hand, the offseason acquisitions of Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall were as good as advertised. Unfortunately, there is a glaring hole in their roster that has yet to be addressed.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Mavericks need to find an elite defensive wing stopper to fill a hole on their roster. Dallas currently sits in the sixth seed in the West at 22-18 as it tries to return to the NBA Finals.

The Mavericks need to improve their depth to combat injuries

One of the biggest problems the Mavericks have faced this season is injuries. For the past few games, Dallas has been forced to parade lineups without some key personnel. As a result, it was easy to see why the team even had to overcome an ugly five-game losing streak. With the injury bug hitting Dallas, the team is struggling to solidify an automatic playoff spot. Because if they continue to falter, the team will continue to be in the Play-In conversation.

Some of the bigger injuries that hit Dallas include Kyrie Irving’s bulging disc that sidelined him for at least two weeks, based on the report by the NBA. Fortunately, Irving is already back in the Mavericks rotation. On the other hand, Dončić’s absence continues, due to painful calf strain. In fact, Luca has already been disqualified from the regular season for not meeting the 65 game rule.

Another injury that has negatively impacted the Mavs rotation is Derek Lively’s ankle. Without Lively, the Mavericks missed his rim protection and ability to finish on lob plays. In addition to Lively’s injury, let’s not forget that the team is also suffering from the absence of Dante Exum, who had to have wrist surgery. He has yet to appear in the 2024-25 season.

Furthermore, the Mavericks could also use some firepower for their bench. Currently, the second unit is led by Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie. While these players have shown some great moments, none have done so on a consistent basis.

The Mavs are still looking for defensive answers

Make no mistake, some of the Mavericks’ key personnel have held their own on defense. Thompson, despite some concerns, has stepped up defensively this season. Furthermore, PJ Washington has helped the team stay competitive with his two-way game, while Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes are proving to be solid offseason acquisitions. However, the team lacks some size on the wings to make life difficult for opposing perimeter players.

Offensively, the Mavericks already have plenty of players to lean on, especially when Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson are healthy. However, the team finds itself searching for some defensive answers, and Luka and Irving are considered defensive liabilities. A big defensive wing could be the missing piece in the puzzle for the team to be effective on both ends of the floor.

Looking at the Mavericks roster, it appears the team doesn’t exactly have a premier perimeter defender. Although Markieff Morris is there, he is already 35 years old. If he were younger, the one-time NBA champion was younger, Morris would fill that need. Otherwise, it doesn’t look like the team can rely on anyone else defensively on the perimeter other than Marshall and Thompson.

Potential trade with the Portland Trail Blazers

Mavericks get: Matisse Thibulle ($11 million)

Blazers get: Maxi Kleber ($11 million)

With the Mavericks looking for a defensive ace, a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers should be just what the doctor ordered. Matisse Thibulle is an elite perimeter player. In the past, Thibulle has actually been a trade target for Dallas. Let’s not forget that the Mavericks actually offered the 6-foot-5 guard a three-year, $33 million contract before the Blazers responded with an offer to retain his services back in 2023. Fast forward to today, and Dallas has another shot at getting him.

Thibulle should easily fill the Mavericks’ defensive needs from the get-go. The two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection is also averaging 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, matching his career highs. To get him, the Mavericks can trade Maxi Kleber, a 6-foot-10 big man who slowly falls out of the Mavericks’ rotation when the team is healthy.

On the other hand, the change of scenery for Kleber should be a boost in his NBA career. By joining the Blazers, Portland can enjoy the services of an eight-year NBA veteran who can lead their promising young core. He’s also a big man who can help them space the floor.