NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has revealed that the Dallas Mavericks are currently shopping sophomore guard Dennis Smith Jr.
The Dallas Mavericks are escalating discussions to find a trade for point guard Dennis Smith Jr., league sources tell ESPN. Phoenix and Orlando have engaged in ongoing talks with Mavs. Smith Jr., has sat out three straight games with what team has termed a sore back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 15, 2019
Suitors for the dynamic point guard include the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic. Both spots would be intriguing destinations for Smith.
The Suns have been looking for a point guard all season, and still have not found one that is capable of playing quality minutes as a starter. They have relied on Devin Booker and De'Anthony Melton to handle the point guard role, even though Booker is much more qualified as a shooting guard. The team has also used rookie Elie Okobo to soak up minutes, but he has not performed very well.
Smith would give the Suns another scoring punch, as well as a reliable ball handler. The starting backcourt would be much more formidable, but the Suns would still more than likely be a lottery team this season.
Orlando is in a similar spot to the Suns. The team has used D.J. Augustin as a starter for the majority of their starts. Augustin is a solid player, but at this point in his career he is more suited to coming off the bench. Teaming up Smith with Aaron Gordon and Johnathan Isaac would mean the Magic would have one of the most athletic starting lineups in the league.
Smith is currently averaging 12.6 points and 3.9 assists. Whichever team lands him will add an excellent scorer who can bring some excitement to their squad, with the hope that he can build off an excellent rookie season.
Follow Us
Subscribe