There are members of the Dallas Mavericks who think highly of Orlando Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier, and they would like to acquire him in a potential Dennis Smith Jr. trade, according to Mike Fisher of 247Sports.
The Magic and Phoenix Suns have reportedly expressed interest in trading for the former ninth overall pick, but the Mavs are unlikely to trade such a young prospect without some clear future assets in return. The Mavs are also looking to rid themselves of Wesley Matthews' contract, which could play a part in negotiations for Smith.
There is no chemistry problem in the locker room or on the floor involving Dennis and Doncic, but if Dennis must go, surely Luka's agent Bill Duffy will get involved, hoping to help guide a client like Aaron Gordon from Orlando to Dallas. Orlando center Nikola Vucevic is also a Duffy client. Meanwhile, there are Mavs people who think very highly of Orlando's Evan Fournier, and I'm told names like that make more sense to the Mavs than does rookie center Mo Bamba.
Most in Orlando could envision a youth-for-youth trade, as Mo Bamba has seen scarce playing time this season despite being a lottery pick — but it won't be that easy.
Each teams has its own agenda and will like to include a few caveats to execute the trade. The Mavs know Smith has a high upside but simply does not fit if they are to utilize franchise star Luka Doncic as a point forward moving … forward.
While the reasons for trading him are of no substantial interest, Dallas will want to cash in a ready-made asset in Fournier, who has seen a slight decline from his best season in the league in 2017-18. Swapping Matthews and Smith for Fournier and other assets might just get the deal done, especially considering the Suns supposedly have “no interest” in trading for Smith, contrary to the earlier reports.
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