6 hours Ago By Frederick Okocha, Last Word On Sports
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a crisis. Injuries continue to pile up, trade rumors swirl, and financial constraints threaten their flexibility. With key players sidelined and trade exceptions at risk, the Mavericks must navigate a challenging stretch to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Mavericks Set To Lose Trade Exceptions Amidst Crisis, Snub And Rumors Injury Woes Leave Mavericks Shorthanded The Mavericks ‘ frontcourt depth has been decimated. Maxi Kleber recently suffered a broken foot, joining Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell on the injury list. Lively, initially expected to return soon, is now out for 2-3 months with a small fracture in his foot.
This leaves Dallas with only one true center, Daniel Gafford , who has been the subject of trade rumors. Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the severity of the situation. “It’s a hole.
It’s tough. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s not gonna get any better,” he said . The Mavericks may need to acquire a short-term replacement to survive the regular season.
Irving’s Stellar Play Overshadowed by All-Star Snub Despite the Mavericks’ struggles , Kyrie Irving has put together one of his most efficient seasons. He is averaging 24.3 points, 4.
6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
His shooting splits—47.9% from the field, 41.5% from three, and 90.
1% from the free-throw line—are among the best of his career. However, his efforts were not enough to earn him an All-Star spot. After a loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Irving had addressed the possibility of being left out.
“I’m an All-Star regardless in this league, whether I’m voted in or not,” he said . “I definitely feel like I’ve put my best foot forward this season.” Luka Doncic Nearing Return Dallas has missed Luka Doncic since Christmas Day due to a left calf strain.
The team has not provided an official update, but reports suggest he is progressing. He has been seen shooting standstill jumpers at practice, but he has yet to participate in full-contact drills. Doncic’s absence has forced Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes into larger roles, but neither has provided consistent production.
The Mavs hope Doncic can return before the All-Star break to stabilize their playoff push. The Mavericks’ Trade Assets Set to Expire The Mavericks risk losing valuable trade assets due to financial constraints. They currently hold two key trade exceptions: Seth Curry Trade Exception ($4 million) – Expires on February 10, just days after the trade deadline.
Dallas is unlikely to use it due to their cap limitations. Tim Hardaway Jr. Trade Exception ($16.
19 million) – Expires on July 7, 2025. This exception could be useful in the 2025 offseason, but its impact depends on the Mavericks’ cap situation. The Mavericks are hard-capped at the first apron due to their sign-and-trade for Klay Thompson this past summer.
They are currently less than $1 million below the first apron, making it nearly impossible to use the Curry exception. Looking ahead, the Hardaway exception could be used in free agency, but re-signing Grimes, Dante Exum, and Dinwiddie might push the team toward the second apron. Most front offices want to avoid this scenario, making it unlikely that Dallas will utilize the exception.
Mavericks Face Uncertain Future The Mavericks are battling injuries, cap constraints, and expiring trade exceptions. Due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, they risk losing key opportunities to improve their roster. With Doncic’s return on the horizon and Irving playing at an elite level, the Mavericks still have a chance to compete.
However, they will have to do so without some tradeable assets. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..
