Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle celebrates for his players in the first half of the NBA … [+]
PRESS ASSOCIATED
With the NBA trade deadline approaching March 25 at 3 p.m., the Dallas Mavericks are a team said to be on the hunt to improve their roster. While rumors may be circulating, however, the Dallas head coach is tuning out the outside noise.
Rick Carlisle doesn’t put much pressure behind the trading profits around his team. Instead, he feels the Mavericks won’t make incredible date deals at all.
“I like this team,” Carlisle told media members on Tuesday. “I say the same thing I say every year, I don’t think there will be anything. I could be wrong. I don’t usually deal with trade rumors because they are just that. Lots of daisies thrown out there, tossed out by bloggers who are just throwing stuff on the wall trying to make stuff. ”
However, there are credible reports linking the Mavericks to a number of potential trade targets across the league. They have kicked the tires on the trade value of Kristaps Porzingis. They have been linked with JJ Redick and Larry Nance Jr. The Mavericks of the Aaron Gordon duo are on the short list of possible destinations. Reports link Dallas to their interest in John Collins. Andre Drummond is still reportedly a target for the Mavs. Dallas seems to be interested in Evan Fournier and Norman Powell.
That’s a long list of names and with a day left before the date, it could keep growing. For Carlisle, he says it all attracts attention. His focus is on putting the team in the best position to win with the roster he has now.
“This is a vibrant industry,” said Carlisle. “There’s a lot of money. We get a lot of money as players and coaches to deal with some of the outside noise and what you learn is how to stop and focus on keeping yourself ready and keeping your team ready. And if you’re a player, do what you can to help your teammates and help the team win. We’ll see what happens, but I’m just focusing on what we do here on a day-to-day basis. ”
That may be the case, but Dallas could use a little help. Luka Doncic is another talent around the world but it’s just a worry for him to carry a team where the consistency of his team is a nightmare.
That said, the Mavericks are moving in the right direction. They are playing much better basketball late now that the team has recovered from a bad blow with Covid-19 before the All-Star break. In their last 10 games, they have a 7-3 record with a plus-8.8-point difference – the third-best mark in the league over that range.
Historically, the Mavericks have also made greater splashes through trades than in free agency. If they are going to make a move, it makes sense that it will arrive at the date of the trade, just don’t expect any details to leak anytime soon. The famous Dallas headquarters is very tight.
Between now and tomorrow’s date, a lot can happen. The future for the Mavericks is anyone’s blow. Only GM Donnie Nelson, owner of Mark Cuban and a few others have an understanding of the group ‘s plans. As for Carlisle, he doesn’t expect much.
“Again, as I always say,” said Carlisle, “I very much doubt that anything substantial will happen.”