The Dallas Mavericks have just five wins since Christmas, as they've dealt with injuries to guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks are in serious jeopardy of falling out of a Play-In spot, which is disappointing because they were expected to compete for the best record in the league after their magical run to the NBA Finals last year.
Forward Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat is likely going to be traded before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and NBA champion turned ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins ranks the Mavs as the No. 5 best trade destination for the six-time All-Star.
Because of their disappointing season, Dallas general manager Nico Harrison may need to swing for the fences and get themselves a star who can help the Mavs put some more wins on the board even with Doncic and/or Irving out of action.
However, a potential trade could deplete some of the Mavs' depth, as they may have to part with one if not all of forward P.J. Washington, center Daniel Gafford, and forward Naji Marshall.
Gafford may not be as expendable now that center Dereck Lively II is expected to be out for at least two months, especially because he's one of the best interior defenders in the league.
Dallas could trade guard Klay Thompson instead of Gafford, but it's questionable if the Heat would be willing to take on his contract that'll pay him $34.1 million over the next two seasons.
Considering Thompson's declining skillset, Gafford would likely have to be part of the trade to entice Miami to make a trade with the Mavs.
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