In 2017, the Dallas Mavericks selected Dennis Smith Jr. with the ninth pick in the draft. Not even two years later, he might be on his way out.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Mavericks are trying to find a trade partner. He cited the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic as teams that have inquired about Smith.
The Dallas Mavericks are escalating discussions to find a trade for point guard Dennis Smith Jr., league sources tell ESPN. Phoenix and Orlando have engaged in ongoing talks with Mavs. Smith Jr., has sat out three straight games with what team has termed a sore back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 15, 2019
Smith is averaging 12.6 points and 3.9 assists in 27.7 minutes a game. As a rookie, he averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists in 29.7 minutes.
But while his total scoring numbers are down, he’s been more efficient. Smith is shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 37.5 percent on threes (compared to 39.5 percent from the field and 31.3 percent on threes as a rookie).
With that in mind, we’d imagine that plenty of teams will have some interest in Smith. That should earn Dallas a nice return for him if he is moved.