NBA Trade Rumors: The Dallas Mavericks could be interested in solidifying the team’s frontcourt, and Nerlens Noel could be a target.
The Dallas Mavericks are 13-11 and have been inconsistent, to say the least, to start the season. Even with Luka Doncic’s extraordinarily great start to the season, the team’s supporting cast has left something to be desired.
While that’s not surprising, especially considering that the team lost Jalen Brunson during the offseason, it is a shame that it feels like Luka doesn’t have enough help on a night-to-night basis. But the Mavs could look to remedy that by making an upgrade ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
According to one report, one player that the team has discussed acquiring has been Nerlens Noel, who is currently with the Detroit Pistons. Noel has only played in six games with the Pistons this season but left a strong impression on the defensive end of the floor during his last two seasons in New York.
At this point, I think it’s fair to assume that the Mavs are a team that many expect to try and upgrade its roster ahead of the trade deadline. And this report only strengthens those beliefs.
The Dallas Mavericks are a good bet to make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline
The Mavs don’t have a terrible defense or haven’t had one this season but they could always use some added rim protection. And while Noel has not played a ton this season, he’s certainly a force that could fill that void for Dallas.
The Mavs have the 11th-ranked defense at the moment but it’s difficult to say that they have a certified rim protector. Noel could come in hypothetically and play that role for the team in which they would need one (perhaps come playoff time).
Plus, Noel is an option that wouldn’t cost much at the NBA Trade Deadline.
I feel like the overwhelming conclusion is that the Mavs are going to try to make improvements to their team ahead of the deadline. Whether that comes via making a small move or a big splash, Dallas is going to do everything it can to improve its chances of making a deep playoff run.
While Noel may not seem like a huge addition on paper, his presence on the team would give the team some options and flexibility that they don’t currently have.