Despite several trade rumors involving their disgruntled point guard, the Dallas Mavericks still believe that they will be able to patch things up with Dennis Smith Jr.
Although the Mavs have reportedly put the 21-year-old on the trading block, no deal has materialized as Dallas doesn't seem to be pleased with the offers it's getting.
Smith was drafted by the Mavericks last year and they initially thought he'd be their next franchise player. However, with the arrival of rookie sensation Luka Doncic, his role suddenly changed and his minutes quickly diminished. Smith's frustrations grew and he made it clear he wants to be traded.
DSJ has now missed four consecutive games and is reportedly dealing with a back injury. However, both Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle and Smith's agent Glenn Schwartzman have been mum on whether or not they've had direct contact with each other.
Following the Mavs' 105-101 to the San Antonio Spurs, Doncic told ESPN's Tim McMahon that the team misses Smith and the things that he's able to do on the floor.
“Dennis is a great player,” Doncic said after Wednesday's loss. “He can do a lot of things for us, so we miss him.”
Smith is averaging 12.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this year, down from last season's 15.2 points, 3.8 boards and 5.2 dimes.
It is unclear if the Mavericks will be able to reconcile with Smith. What is clear is that as the trade deadline nears, teams will be more engaged in trade talks involving the sophomore guard.
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