Which Dallas Mavericks could be on the move at the NBA trade deadline?

NEW ORLEANS — While waiting for the buzzer to sound Feb. 6 at 2 p.m., Dallas Mavericks fans are wondering whether their favorite team will facilitate a deal. In previous years, general manager Nico Harrison and the front office brass needed to be buyers or sellers to transform Dallas into a playoff contender. The team’s many injuries have made it hard to evaluate this year’s iteration of the roster. The Mavericks (25-22), who are 3.5 games out of fourth place in the Western Conference, enter the final week before the deadline with a key question. Will they try to improve the roster with a trade or rely on their team as constructed to pursue another deep postseason run? Dallas is loaded at the point guard position, highlighted by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. When healthy, there’s plenty of depth at the center spot. That leaves a glaring hole at the wing position, which could use an upgrade. Here’s a breakdown of the 15-man roster, with salary and contract information, to predict which Mavericks could be on the move over the next week. Contract: $2 million owed this season. Will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Takeaway: Dinwiddie’s expiring contract could interest teams who are looking for a veteran secondary ballhandler. He’s skilled at drawing contact and has a streaky 3-point shot, but he’s still capable of setting the table for his teammates. Contract: $43 million owed this season and eligible for a supermax extension this summer. Has a player option in 2026. Takeaway: Doncic is one of the few Mavericks who are off the board. The team’s main priority this summer will be negotiating the supermax deal. Contract: $3.2 million owed this season. Will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Takeaway: It can be difficult to trade a player who hasn’t played this season. Exum had surgery during training camp to repair his right wrist, the first of many injuries the Mavericks have endured. The team listed him as doubtful for Wednesday’s game in New Orleans, a sign he’s trending toward a return. When healthy, Exum can provide a defensive presence and offensive stability. Contract: $13.4 million owed this season. Will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Takeaway: Gafford – the Mavericks’ lone big man standing – is playing the best basketball of his career when his team desperately needs it. He’s averaging 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocks over the last seven games since Dereck Lively II went down with a foot injury. The Mavericks can’t afford to trade Gafford given their lack of frontcourt depth. Contract: $4.3 million owed this season. Will be a restricted free agent this summer. Takeaway: Grimes has been a surprising addition as a quality role player who contributes on both ends. He’s a knockdown shooter, evident in his career-high 40% 3-point mark, and can use his ballhandling to create shots for himself and his teammates. Grimes has the potential to be a reliable piece once the playoffs roll around. But depending on the trade, Grimes could be a sweetener to help the Mavericks move larger contracts. Contract: $2 million owed this season with a team option in 2027. Takeaway: The Mavericks signed third-year guard Hardy to a three-year, $18 million deal at the beginning of the season, and he’s shown in spurts why he could be a valuable offensive piece. Despite a couple of ankle injuries, Hardy has played his way into the rotation, but it could get dicey if Exum returns to his form from last season. If not at the deadline, the Mavericks could float Hardy’s team-friendly contract in the offseason. Contract: $41 million owed this season with a player option for 2025-26 Takeaway: Irving’s off the board. The Mavericks are expected to negotiate a contract extension with the veteran guard this summer. Contract: $11 million owed this season. Will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Takeaway: If Kleber hadn’t fractured his right foot, the Mavericks would have had an easier time shopping his contract to other teams. He’s close to the final year, and that $11 million could be the baseline number for Dallas to attempt to match salaries for a young wing defender who would be an upgrade at the backup small forward/power forward spot. An injured player can still be traded, but the receiving team must be on board and willing to waive the requirement that a player pass his physical. Contract: $5 million owed this season. Will be a restricted free agent in 2027. Takeaway: Lively has been an important part of the team since his rookie season, but he’s in position to be an integral piece of the franchise’s future. The second-year NBA Rising Star is sidelined with a stress fracture in his right foot, but he’s not going anywhere. Contract: $8.6 million owed this season. Will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Takeaway: Marshall presents an interesting case. Dallas signed him in the offseason for his versatility on offense and as a defensive presence to help fill the void left by Derrick Jones Jr. Marshall’s inside touch and toughness have been valuable at times, but there have been some inconsistent spells, partly because of illnesses and a four-game suspension. If the right teams are willing to offer Nico Harrison an intriguing package, Marshall could be a part of a deal to lure a lockdown defensive wing. Contract: $2.1 million owed this season. Will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Takeaway: Much like last season, Morris’ role has been to provide a steady veteran presence. He has played in only seven games, including two of the last three. There could be an opportunity for the Mavericks to add a roster spot if Morris were to be traded, but it’s not likely they would move a player whose voice carries weight and who’s well-respected in the locker room and front office. Contract: $4 million owed this year with a player option for 2025-26. Takeaway: Powell, who joined the Mavericks in 2014, is the team’s longest-tenured player and is working his way back from a right hip strain. He’s typically called upon when Lively or Gafford are unavailable. With him being out for at least the next week, the Mavericks will rely on Gafford and several other players in spot minutes at the center position, including new two-way center Kylor Kelley. It can be risky to consider moving a player like Powell, who like Morris is an integral piece in the locker room. Contract: $2.9 million owed this season. Will be a restricted free agent in 2027. Takeaway: Prosper has shown promise in his second year in the NBA. The Mavericks’ bevy of injuries have allowed him to receive consistent minutes in coach Jason Kidd’s rotation. He’s coming off a career-high 20 points and provides depth at the wing position – one of the team’s weaknesses. Contract: $15.9 million owed this year. Will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Takeaway: Thompson was brought to Dallas to get the franchise over the hump during the playoffs. While there have been some impressive moments and some shooting lulls, it’s not realistic to think Thompson could be traded in the first year of his contract. Contract: $15.5 million owed this year. Will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Takeaway: Washington has been one of the team’s most consistent players who’s displayed his value time and time again throughout his first full season with the Mavericks, his hometown team. He’s not going anywhere. Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.