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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 30: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at FedExForum on December 30, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks have struggled without a point guard this season. Kyrie Irving is still recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last season. Without Irving and Anthony Davis being constantly injured, the Mavericks’ offense has suffered.
Right now, Dallas has the third-worst offense in the NBA. For most of the season, Cooper Flagg has been the guy in charge of the offense. That is a heavy burden to carry for a rookie. The hope was that he would be able to piggyback off of Davis, but that hasn’t worked.
A bold trade idea from Zach Harper of The Athletic would have the Mavericks solve their offensive problems by trading for distressed asset Ja Morant.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant dribbles the ball. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Mavericks Trade for Ja Morant in Wild Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
Mavs get: Ja Morant, John Konchar
Grizzlies get: Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Dante Exum
Trading Irving for Morant is certainly a bold choice. Morant has one of the lowest trade values around the league, so Dallas would likely be confident that they would be able to land him for less than that. Adding Christie to the deal makes this much harder for Dallas to swallow.
Christie is a proven contributor off the bench who is still young. Giving up on him this early in his career might be a mistake. Irving has an injury history of his own, so trading him might not be the worst idea. Still, Morant’s injury history and maturity issues make trading for him a massive risk.
The Mavericks are still trying to get over the mistake of trading Luka Doncic for Davis. Taking another big swing to bring in Morant might not be something the new regime has the stomach for. Morant is certainly a great talent when he is healthy and engaged, though.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg celebrates. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Dallas is a Team to Watch at the Trade Deadline
Even if the Mavs don’t end up trading for someone like Morant, they are still a team to watch at the deadline. Davis is a player that everyone is watching, but his latest injury makes it even harder for him to move. Dallas is going to survey the league for some upgrades.
Flagg is the player that this organization is going to build around moving forward. Any player they bring in has to make him a better player. A competent point guard is the first thing they should be looking for. After that, a scoring wing would help take some pressure off of Flagg.
Dallas will likely go one of two ways at the deadline. Either they trade Davis and commit to a rebuild, or they double down and try to accumulate talent to make the playoffs. It’s highly unlikely that the Mavericks sit tight and don’t make any moves.
The Mavs do have a top-ten defense. That’s something to build upon in whichever way they decide to go.