{"id":542181,"date":"2026-01-17T05:49:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T05:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/542181\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T05:49:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T05:49:29","slug":"dallas-mavericks-michael-porter-jr-ja-morant-jonathan-kuminga-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/542181\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Mavericks, Michael Porter Jr., Ja Morant, Jonathan Kuminga And More"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches, NBA front offices continue to evaluate options to make moves. As for the Dallas Mavericks, who are 16\u201326 and navigating ongoing health concerns, there is plenty to keep an eye on as they play through Cooper Flagg<\/a>\u2018s rookie season. <\/p>\n

Anthony Davis<\/a> has been limited to 29 regular-season games played since being officially traded to Dallas on Feb. 2, 2025. His production has declined over this period, averaging 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. After seeking multiple opinions, Davis elected not to undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand. The Mavericks did not specify the type of injury, but publicly announced a potential timetable that mentions Davis is expected to \u201cheal\u201d within six weeks. <\/p>\n

If Davis remains in Dallas beyond the Feb. 5 trade deadline, it remains to be seen what the path forward will ultimately be. For Davis, the focus remains on his injury and the trade market. While the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks have been linked to Davis, there remains a lack of meaningful traction involving either team at this stage, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. While a goal has been from Davis\u2019 camp to be on a team with a firm outlook for a contract extension once eligible in August, the Mavericks do not feel compelled to make an underwhelming trade involving Davis just to move on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mavericks\u2019 leverage is materially worse after the hand injury,\u201d one Western Conference executive said. \u201cI don\u2019t think [Davis] has much of a market.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Mavericks have multiple complementary players that have drawn interest around the NBA, including Daniel Gafford<\/a> and Naji Marshall<\/a>, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. The impression from Dallas is that the front office would like to keep Marshall as he continues to impress in a career year \u2014\u00a0averaging 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, while shooting a staggering 54.3% from the floor. <\/p>\n

\u201cNaji Marshall<\/a> is someone that settles the Mavericks down pretty much every time I\u2019ve watched them play this season,\u201d one Western Conference scout said. \u201cHe plays through contact so well \u2014 his finishing has been great. His floater has always stood out. He keeps getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in great shape right now, and he\u2019s taken pride in tough defensive assignments,\u201d the scout added. \u201cHe\u2019s bringing value on both ends. He can help a contender, but that\u2019s a player you want next to [Cooper] Flagg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Health has also become a quiet but meaningful variable in how rival teams evaluate Gafford. While he continues to draw interest around the league, members of some rival organizations have raised concerns to DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> about his health as the season has progressed. He\u2019s averaged 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game this season, compared to 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game last season.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Gafford is healthy, he can help a team. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s been healthy all season,\u201d one Eastern Conference scout noted. \u201cThat ankle has been a problem for months. It looks like he\u2019s frequently playing through something. He doesn\u2019t pop when you watch the Mavericks like he did last season.\u201d<\/p>\n

As it stands, Mavericks trade candidates in addition to Davis and Gafford are perceived to be D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/a> and Klay Thompson<\/a>, sources indicated to DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n

After a slow start to the season, Thompson has heated up. Since Nov. 22, he\u2019s averaged 13.3 points on 41.3% shooting from the perimeter. He\u2019s been a valuable on-court veteran presence for the Mavericks throughout this season, particularly for Cooper Flagg<\/a>. Among the obstacles for Thompson\u2019s path to landing on a contender is that he is still playing out a three-year, $50 million contract.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlay is going to make like $17.5 million next season. That\u2019s going to give teams pause,\u201d one Eastern Conference executive said. \u201cI still think he can help a contender. It\u2019s more about the money than impact.\u201d <\/p>\n

Russell has completely fallen out of favor with the Mavericks. He has not played 20 minutes in a game since Nov. 19. He has received a DNP-CD in eight of his last nine games, with nearly 19 minutes played against the Chicago Bulls in a road blowout loss during this span. Multiple NBA scouts who have had assignments involving recent Mavericks games noted to DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> that it sticks out how Russell looks disengaged as he remains out of the team\u2019s rotation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obvious [Russell] needs a fresh start,\u201d another Western Conference scout said.<\/p>\n

Looking beyond the trade front, Kyrie Irving<\/a> is expected to be physically able to play after the NBA All-Star break, as recently reported on DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. In a recent workout with assistant coach Phil Handy, Irving looked sharp, explosive, and efficient during the on-court session. However, the question isn\u2019t necessarily whether Irving will be able to play, but rather the potential direction the Mavericks will take.<\/p>\n

Brandon Williams<\/a>\u2018 near $2.3 million salary became fully guaranteed on Jan. 10 for the remainder of the season. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. This was entirely unsurprising considering he\u2019s averaging 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 22.1 minutes per game this season.<\/p>\n

Below are some notes from around the NBA as the Feb. 5 trade deadline nears. <\/p>\n

Jonathan Kuminga<\/p>\n

With the Jan. 15 trade restriction being lifted on Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>, his future with the Golden State Warriors naturally becomes a focus for the marketplace ahead of the Feb. 5 midseason deadline. <\/p>\n

As we reported earlier this season, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> that the Mavericks are among the teams that have registered interest in Kuminga. A significant part of the appeal for Kuminga as a trade candidate is the fact that he has a $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season. Any deal would not require an immediate long-term commitment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe team option has value as an asset,\u201d one source said. <\/p>\n

However, DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> has been informed by league sources to monitor the Los Angeles Lakers for Kuminga. That\u2019s a team that wants to get more athletic on the wing as they build around Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a>, but needs to be cautious of the price point. Kuminga would represent a chance to acquire a talent they are intrigued by without a hefty long-term commitment. <\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings have remained a key team linked to Kuminga since the summer, despite being unable to get a deal done, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. Naturally, they remain a team to keep an eye on to some degree until Kuminga is formally traded, considering there has been mutual interest.<\/p>\n

Michael Porter Jr. <\/p>\n

There has been mixed reporting from mainstream outlets about Michael Porter Jr.<\/a> and the Golden State Warriors at this stage. ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater<\/a> reported recently that the Warriors \u201chadn\u2019t talked to the\u00a0Brooklyn Nets\u00a0in more than a month and have never shown real interest\u201d in a trade for Porter Jr. <\/p>\n

As it stands, DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> sources indicate there is legitimate interest from the Warriors. In fact, sources have indicated that there is \u201csomething brewing\u201d on this front ahead of the midseason deadline. Multiple sources emphasized how Golden State\u2019s front office is clever with the trade signals they put out and encouraged looking back at the timeline that unfolded before Jimmy Butler<\/a> was acquired from the Miami Heat.<\/p>\n

Porter Jr. has not only produced a career year, averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, but he\u2019s doing it with impressive levels of efficiency. He\u2019s shooting 48.6% from the floor despite taking 9.5 attempts per game from beyond the arc and converting at a 40.1% clip on those shots. He\u2019s generated 4.5 free throw attempts per game and has shot 84.1%. <\/p>\n

NBA scouts who spoke with DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> shared a sentiment that Porter Jr. can fit on any NBA team. Between his talent as a motion shooter, poise shooting against contests, and ability to make plays off the dribble, his skill-set projects as a dynamic fit for any offense system. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can plug him in on any team, and he\u2019ll make them better,\u201d one NBA scout said. \u201cIn Brooklyn, he\u2019s shown what he can do as a featured guy. He already showed the league how well he fits next to other stars with how well he played with Joki\u0107 and Murray in Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Warriors have trade interest in Trey Murphy III<\/a>, sources said, but the Pelicans continue to be unwilling to part with the sharpshooter. More on New Orleans later.<\/p>\n

Ja Morant<\/p>\n

The main name drawing buzz in the NBA trade rumor cycle is Ja Morant<\/a>, who has been sidelined due to a right calf contusion since suffering the injury on Jan. 2. Much like the Washington Wizards took advantage of an opportunistic chance to acquire Trae Young<\/a> from the Atlanta Hawks, Morant remains a name to monitor around the league. <\/p>\n

There are numerous factors going against Morant\u2019s trade value. He\u2019s been limited to 18 games played for the Memphis Grizzlies this season and has never appeared in 70 or more games in a season in his seven seasons in the league. However, over the past three seasons, he\u2019s only played 77 games out of 246 possible appearances. Factor in that he\u2019s averaging just 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists while shooting 40.1% from the floor and 20.8% from deep. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a while since [Morant] has played a long stretch of games in a row,\u201d one Western Conference scout noted. \u201cI do think that\u2019s a factor in his production declining. It\u2019s hard to get into a rhythm that way. That makes it a risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> has learned from league sources that there has been no material progress between Miami and the Memphis Grizzlies regarding Morant. That stance reflects Miami\u2019s broader organizational goal of preserving cap flexibility for future offseasons, when multiple high-level free agents could become available. The Heat even held back in the Kevin Durant<\/a> trade market despite being on his list of preferred destinations with the idea of prioritizing Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n

Sources noted to DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>, there is \u201cat least a little bit\u201d of curiosity from the Milwaukee Bucks regarding nearly any star who becomes potentially available, including Morant. For any substantial move, Milwaukee would first need to internally determine whether it truly represents the right fit at this stage, particularly given questions about roster balance, timeline, and the challenge of building chemistry in a narrowing competitive window around Antetokounmpo. <\/p>\n

\u201cMilwaukee is looking at every option,\u201d one Western Conference executive said. \u201cThere isn\u2019t a more desperate team than them right now. They\u2019ll have to consider options most teams won\u2019t entertain.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Toronto Raptors are viewed as a team with motivation to make an opportunistic win-now trade at the midseason deadline, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com.<\/a> Toronto has been linked to Anthony Davis<\/a> and Domantas Sabonis<\/a> in addition to Morant. However, the keyword here is opportunistic. As we previously noted, there is a prior track record for Morant playing with Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovi\u0107 from their shared time with the Grizzlies. However, the path to formulating a trade that meets the threshold of not sending away unfavorable salary while being mutually acceptable is unclear.<\/p>\n

There is a lot of work that needs to be done on the broader trade market before meaningful clarity is achieved on the Morant front. There doesn\u2019t appear to be a suitor with sufficient interest yet at the level to have emerged as a clear frontrunner at this stage, leaving the door open for teams to jump into the mix. <\/p>\n

New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n

Despite being ranked at the bottom of the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans have no shortage of talented players that many teams would like to trade for, including Trey Murphy III<\/a> and Herb Jones. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> that New Orleans remains disinterested in parting with either player, as nothing has materially changed.<\/p>\n

While Jones has been sidelined frequently as of late, Murphy has put together a strong start to the new year. He\u2019s averaged 22.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 39 games this season, but his production has climbed to 31.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 2026.<\/p>\n

There are two Pelicans trade candidates to watch, including Yves Missi<\/a> and Jordan Hawkins<\/a>, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. Missi went from averaging 26.8 minutes per game as a rookie to 18.2 per game in his sophomore campaign. Meanwhile, Hawkins has only played 14.2 minutes per game after averaging 23.6 last season. Both players lack a significant trajectory in New Orleans. <\/p>\n

Sources indicate to DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a> that the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls are two teams to monitor for Missi. However, there is believed to be more traction for the Pacers at this time, with Bennedict Mathurin<\/a> as a player who would be involved in such a trade. <\/p>\n

LA Clippers<\/p>\n

As the LA Clippers continue to rally back from an early-season hole in the Western Conference standings, they are viewed as potential buyers at the midseason deadline, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>. One player considered a trade candidate is John Collins<\/a>, who holds a nearly $26.6 million expiring salary. <\/p>\n

While the Clippers\u2019 early-season struggles raised external questions about whether they would become sellers at the trade deadline, the team is 17-23 and on the verge of passing the Memphis Grizzlies for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. They have the option of getting involved in a multi-team framework and capitalizing on having expiring salary to act as a facilitator. <\/p>\n

Another option includes using Bogdan Bogdanovi\u0107<\/a>\u2018s contract in a trade, sources said. He is earning a little over $16 million this season and has a team option for 2026-27 worth the same amount. Any potential trade suitor can take advantage by declining the option to open flexibility this offseason.<\/p>\n

Boston Celtics<\/p>\n

Anfernee Simons<\/a> has delivered a productive season coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics, averaging 14.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 24.3 minutes per game. However, as the Celtics have limited trade options, Simons\u2019 expiring salary is viewed as an option to address the center position if a favorable opportunity emerges, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s believed that Simons, who was shopped for potential salary dump frameworks after landing in Boston, has helped his stock this season. Boston holds a 25-15 record without their All-NBA forward in Tatum, which ranks as the NBA\u2019s sixth-best record.<\/p>\n

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Trade Rumors<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons Interested In Trading For Memphis Grizzlies\u2019 Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans Have Registered Trade Interest In Memphis Grizzlies\u2019 Ja Morant<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers\u2019 Rob Pelinka Views Golden State Warriors\u2019 Jonathan Kuminga As Good Fit Next To Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Sources: Dallas Mavericks To Sign Jeremiah Robinson-Earl To Hardship 10-Day Contract<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Toronto Raptors Have Pursued Dallas Mavericks\u2019 Anthony Davis, Sacramento Kings\u2019 Domantas Sabonis, Could Pursue Memphis Grizzlies\u2019 Ja Morant<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors Suspect Jonathan Kuminga Faked Back Injury Against Oklahoma City Thunder, Willing To Keep Him Despite Trade Demand<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga Demands Trade From Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings Interested In Trading For Him<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches, NBA front offices continue to evaluate options to make moves. As…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":542182,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3793],"tags":[495,208,7,75,686,149,4057,2619,164,178,867,192,150,166,177,562,5989,6,6050,2828,470,476],"class_list":{"0":"post-542181","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dallas-mavericks","8":"tag-anthony-davis","9":"tag-atlanta-hawks","10":"tag-basketball","11":"tag-boston-celtics","12":"tag-dallas","13":"tag-dallas-mavericks","14":"tag-dallasmavericks","15":"tag-daniel-gafford","16":"tag-golden-state-warriors","17":"tag-ja-morant","18":"tag-jonathan-kuminga","19":"tag-la-clippers","20":"tag-los-angeles-lakers","21":"tag-mavericks","22":"tag-memphis-grizzlies","23":"tag-michael-porter-jr","24":"tag-naji-marshall","25":"tag-nba","26":"tag-nba-rumors","27":"tag-nba-trade-deadline","28":"tag-new-orleans-pelicans","29":"tag-toronto-raptors"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/115908875573010811","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/542181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=542181"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/542181\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/542182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=542181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=542181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=542181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}