Ranking the Mavs' potential trade targets

Big Ed Sefko identified five veterans on teams looking to dump salary that could be a match for the Mavs, who are actively shopping Jerry Stackhouse's buyout contract. Erick Dampier and his expiring contract are available, too, in a business-for-basketball deal. I figured I'd save Mark Cuban a phone call by ranking the five potential trade targets, from best to worst, since I'm sure the Mavs' braintrust wants my advice. TAYSHAUN PRINCE Remaining contract: Two years, $21.5 million 2008-09 stats: 14.2 ppg, .450 FG, .397 3-pt., 5.8 rpg, 3.1 apg The 6-9 Prince is an outstanding wing defender with a well-rounded offensive game. He'd take a ton of pressure off of Josh Howard, who wouldn't have to spend nearly as much time guarding the opponent's top scorer. He's an unselfish, complementary player who broke into the league under Rick Carlisle, so Prince should be able to make a smooth transition if he's traded to Dallas. His extensive playoff experience is a major plus. VINCE CARTER Remaining contract: Two years, $33.6 million, plus team option for 2011-12 2008-09 stats: 20.8 ppg, .437 FG, .385 3-pt., 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 1.0 spg At 32, his days of slashing and slamming are pretty much behind him, as he's primarily a jump shooter at this point in his career. And he's often a disinterested defender. But he is still capable of exploding for 40 on any given night, and he'd definitely be the Mavs' best shooting guard since Michael Finley was in his prime. This would be at least a match of the Spurs' trade for Carter's ex-Nets teammate Richard Jefferson. SAMUEL DALEMBERT Remaining contract: Two years, $24.9 million 2008-09 stats: 6.4 ppg, .498 FG, 8.5 rpg, 1.8 bpg He's got Dampier's offensive game, but he's a much better athlete, which is reflected in their rebounding and blocked shots. (Dalembert ranked third in the league in rebounding percentage and fourth in blocks percentage last season, according to basketball-reference.com.) His scoring would likely get a significant bump in Dallas, since he's a good finisher and runs the floor well, traits that should result in a couple dunks per game with Jason Kidd.