The Dallas Mavericks are on the hunt for a defensive specialist as the February 6 trade deadline approaches, with their eyes set on some intriguing targets.
Multiple NBA front-office sources told The Athletic’s Christian Clark that the Mavs are specifically looking for someone who can lock down opposing teams’ best perimeter players.
One name that’s caught their attention? Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jones isn’t just any defender – he was the only non-center to make the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team last season, which is pretty impressive. But there’s a catch: the Pelicans don’t seem eager to let him go.
The timing of Dallas’s search couldn’t be more crucial. They’ve just lost their superstar Luka Doncic to a left calf strain that could keep him sidelined for a month. The team’s gone 1-3 since Christmas, after an impressive stretch where they won 14 of 17 games.
Jones would be an ideal fit for what Dallas needs. He’s having his best season yet, putting up 11.1 points per game and snagging 2 steals on average. Though he’s struggled a bit with his shooting, hitting career-lows from the field and three-point range.
The money makes sense too. Jones is making about $13 million this year on his four-year, $53.83 million deal – way more affordable than someone like Brandon Ingram, who’s looking for a massive $200 million extension.
But if they can’t land Jones, the Mavs aren’t completely out of options. They’ve got PJ Washington, who’s been a bright spot for the team this season.
“I feel like I can guard anybody,” Washington said. “I’m comfortable guarding smalls, bigs. It doesn’t really matter.”
The numbers back him up – Dallas is 19-7 when Washington plays and just 1-6 when he sits.
The Mavericks face a tough stretch ahead with 16 games in January, including matchups against powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. They’ll need all the defensive help they can get.
Whether through trade or internal development, one thing’s clear: Dallas needs to shore up its defense if they want to stay competitive in the loaded Western Conference.
