Dennis Smith Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks is set to return to action after missing several games, triggering various trade rumors. Smith shared an update on his status and expressed his excitement of joining his teammates again. Per Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Smith said:
“I am thrilled to rejoin my teammates on Tuesday. I am feeling better and had a great workout today. It has been difficult to be away, but I look forward to getting back on the court and helping my team win.”
Smith's statement comes in after Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle announced the 21-year-old's return to the team. Smith has missed five games — three of which were due to back soreness. The two games he missed, according to various reports and rumors, was due to the Mavericks placing him on the trade block.
Statement from Rick Carlisle: “I am excited to announce Dennis Smith Jr. will rejoin the team on Tuesday. Dennis and I spoke at length today. He is feeling better and plans to resume workouts in preparation for his return. There will be no further updates until Tuesday.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 21, 2019
The rise of Luka Doncic, coupled with rumored disagreements with Carlisle, has forced Smith out of the rotation. Trade rumors heightened once reports revealed that the Mavericks have been in talks with the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic — two teams who are in need of a point guard. Wesley Matthews was also included in trade talks.
But given Carlisle's statements, is it safe to assume that Smith will stay in the long run? Perhaps time can only tell. But for the time being, Smith will once again don the Mavericks' jersey.
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