The Dallas Mavericks have listed point guard Dennis Smith Jr. as questionable for a Texas showdown against the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. The second-year guard missed the last three games with back soreness, but could now miss this game due to illness — all happening in the midst of a reported interest in trading the 20-year-old.
The Mavs could be running out of reasons to hold out Smith after the reported miscommunication with head coach Rick Carlisle.
Smith has only played 28 games through the first half of the season, but it's been quite evident that the Mavs have chosen to build around rookie sensation Luka Doncic. The 19-year-old's performance has accelerated their rebuilding process by scoring at a 20-points-per-game clip.
According to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News, Smith's discontent with the organization comes with Doncic's recent rise to stardom and how the franchise has favored their new player over him, which is reflected in his usage rate (27.2 — ranking 30th in the league).
The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns reportedly have engaged the Mavericks in talks for Smith, with the trade deadline roughly three weeks away. Yet there is nothing concrete on the table in what seems like a relatively quick breakup between the Mavs and their former No. 9 overall pick.
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