Willie Cauley-Stein (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks could be interested in trading for Sacramento Kings big man Willie Cauley-Stein, who has been rumored to be on the trading block.
Cauley-Stein is the latest member of the Sacramento Kings to hit the rumor mill, joining teammates Ben McLemore, DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay in the list of players who could be moved before the deadline. ESPN's Marc Stein claimed in his report that the Kings are open to moving Willie Cauley-Stein, who wants "more of a role" than he has in Sacramento.
"Keep an eye on Kings big man Willie Cauley-Stein. Word is Sacramento is open to moving the second-year big man, who wants more of a role than he has under new Kings coach Dave Joerger," Stein wrote.
Cauley-Stein, who was selected by the Kings as sixth overall in last year's draft, played significant minutes in his rookie season, averaging 21.4 minutes, while posting 7.0 points per game. But under Joerger's schemes, the 23-year-old center has, so far, only logged 14.5 minutes off the bench.
The Kings' loaded frontcourt probably prevents Cauley-Stein to flourish in Sacramento. Cousins and Kosta Koufos are the Kings' top options at the center position, giving Cauley-Stein limited minutes at the five spot.
It remains to be seen whether the Kings would truly consider trading a young talent like Cauley-Stein, who has a potential to become one of the league's dominant big man. But according to Isaac Harris of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Dallas Mavericks could be interested in dealing for the 7-foot center.
"With Dallas in this awkward stage of wanting to compete for Dirk Nowitzki while rebuilding with young talent at the same time, Dallas could do their due diligence," Harris wrote. "A lot of it would obviously have to do with what Sacramento would want back for the young fella."
The Mavs have Andrew Bogut and Salah Mejri as their top options at the center position. Both offer interior defense and a slight contribution on the offensive end, but their age suggests the Mavs should consider investing at a young athletic big man who could be an essential piece for the team's rebuild.
If the Mavs develop a genuine interest in acquiring Cauley-Stein, trading J.J Barea could work for the Kings, who are in need of a reliable floor general to run the point. Adding Barea would maximize the Kings' frontcourt talent, particularly Cousins and Koufos.
Adding Cauley-Stein won't immediately turn the Mavs into strong contenders, but it is a deal worth considering for Dallas as an insurance at the frontcourt.
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