While the Dallas Mavericks claim they are not shopping starting point guard Dennis Smith Jr., NBA executives believe the Mavs will eventually trade the high-flyer due to the emergence of rookie phenom Luka Doncic — according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.

Both Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic need the ball in their hands to be successful, and Doncic has proven to be a more efficient and transcendent player.

The Dallas Mavericks insist they are not shopping the second-year guard Dennis Smith Jr., but it’s a situation rival teams are monitoring.

The instant emergence of the Dallas rookie Luka Doncic, combined with longstanding skepticism about Smith’s ability to flourish alongside Doncic in an off-the-ball capacity, has spawned the expectation among many executives that Smith will eventually be moved.

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Dennis Smith Jr. has been dealing with a lingering right wrist injury this season which has only allowed him to play in 21 games. The 21-year-old is averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game for the Mavs and shooting 43.7 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Luka Doncic, meanwhile, has captivated fans everywhere with his stellar play and is the front runner for the Rookie of the Year award. The 19-year-old is averaging 19.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 43.0 percent overall and 36.4 percent from the 3-point line.

The Mavs are 15-17 on the season, 12th place in the Western Conference standings.