Trade rumors are flying across the NBA as the trade deadline is less than a month away (February 6th), and most trade restrictions let up this week on January 15th. The Dallas Mavericks have been connected in some trades for players like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Kuzma, but one NBA writer believes in a different strategy for the Mavs.

Despite a recent poor stretch, the Dallas Mavericks are trying to find a way back to the NBA Finals. The Mavericks have gone 3-7 in their last 10 games, struggling to find a rhythm with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving out of the lineup.

DALLAS — Dereck Lively II exited Tuesday's Denver Nuggets- Dallas Mavericks game with a right ankle sprain. The Mavs announced before the second quarter that Lively will not return to the game. Lively has played a pivotal role in the Mavs' recent success, and he will unquestionably be missed for the remainder of the game.