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Mavericks want to trade for John Collins, Myles Turner?
Would the Hawks really break up John Collins (20) and Trae Young? Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks are 26-20 and sit fifth in the Western Conference.

Being a mid-tier playoff squad is the space Dallas has occupied for several seasons now.

Unfortunately for the Mavericks, when you have a generational talent like Luka Doncic on your roster – being middling is not an option.

Which is precisely why the Mavericks are constantly looking to make a big move.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, two players appear to be on the wish list for the Mavericks.

Those two players? John Collins and Myles Turner.

“Dallas has been trying to get into the trade mix for Turner or Collins,” he wrote.

“Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith, two low-salaried but highly rated Mavericks headed for unrestricted free agency this summer barring contract extensions by June 30, have no shortage of suitors.

“But Dallas’ ability to swing a significant trade could hinge on its ability to find a trade partner for Tim Hardaway Jr., who is averaging just 14.5 points (his lowest mark in five seasons) and shooting a mere 39.2% from the field and 32.8% from 3-point range after signing a four-year, $75 million contract in August.”

In addition to these proposed deals, Dallas has also been named as one of two teams to which Ben Simmons wants the Philadelphia 76ers to trade him. Time will tell if anything will ultimately materialize on that front.

There are two other teams gunning to make the same trades the Mavericks are mulling, so anything short of a top-tier offer will likely not result in one of the aforementioned names landing in Dallas.

By any objective measure, this is a lost season. The Mavericks aren’t winning a title in 2022. But the steps taken and moves made over the next few weeks could play a dramatic role in Dallas' fortunes for years to come.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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