With trade rumors heating up, it was recently reported that Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. is no longer practicing with the Mavs.

When asked to comment about the situation, Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle was quick to defend Smith, pointing out how the sophomore is a model professional.

“I don't know exactly what's going on, but I know one thing: This kid is a team guy, and he loves being with his teammates, and he really respects his teammates,” Carlisle said, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “This is just my feeling, is that he's being told to stay away for whatever reason. I just don't want people out there to think he is snubbing the Mavs or anything like that. This is just my opinion, I believe there's business stuff going on, and he's being told to stay away. Listen, if that's what they feel is in his best interests, he should trust his advisers. But it's unlike him not to want to be with his teammates.”

Smith has not played for the team's last four contests due to an alleged back issue, and it looks like we may have seen the last of him in a Mavs uniform.

Nevertheless, coach Carlisle is adamant that Smith being away from the team should not be taken against him.

“I do feel strongly that people should not look at Dennis in this situation now and judge him harshly, that he's doing something against his teammates or the Mavs or anything like that,” explained Carlisle. “I just think this is a business-type situation, and this is what he's being advised to do.”

The Mavs will not have a shortage of suitors for the highly-promising Smith, so it would not be a surprise if a trade deal is announced within the next few days.