Published on January 15th, 2019 | by Landon Buford
0Report: Dennis Smith Jr. Is Drawing Trade Interest From The Suns & Magic
According to both ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim Macmahon, the Dallas Mavericks have ramped up discussions to move second-year guard Dennis Smith Jr. The Suns and the Magic have both engaged in trade scenarios for the talent point guard. Smith is currently out with an injury to his back and has missed the last three games.
The Mavericks would also like to find a team willing to take Wesley Matthews, expiring contract, who is currently making 18.6 million this year. Matthews could also be moved in a deal involving Smith Jr. If the Mavericks can work out a deal to move Smith to Orlando it could be for second-year center Mo Bamba. This can also be an insurance policy if DeAndre Jordan decides to leave in this Summer.
The Mavericks drafted Smith with the 9th pick in the 2017 draft, but both Smith and Mavericks’ coach Rick Carlisle have struggled to find common guard according to the ESPN’s report. Front runner for Rookie of the year Luka Doncic game requires to have the ball in his hands. Ultimately, forcing Smith to play off the basketball and change his role with the team. According to ESPN, a league source informed them that Rick Carlisle has been frustrated at times with Smith’s decision making on the floor this season.
Off the court, Doncic and Smith have built a tight-knit relationship, but that has not translated to their on the court play. Smith averaged 15 points and five assists during his rookie campaign this past season.
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