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.

With Luka Doncic missing his 10th straight game with a left calf strain and projected to remain out through at least late January, Irving is Dallas’ best chance of remaining afloat in Western Conference amid a roaring rapids stretch of games.

Mavs star Kyrie Irving confirmed after Tuesday night's loss that he was diagnosed with a bulging disk in his lower back and would have to continue managing the injury.