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The Dallas Mavericks are open to trading Wesley Matthews, according to a report from Marc Stein of the New York Times.
It would take a first-round pick to get him, because Dallas sees him as one of its culture-setters, but league sources say that the Mavs would part with Wes Matthews before the Feb. 8 trade deadline if they can get a first in return
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 25, 2018
This is a major change of tune from a franchise that had previously labeled Matthews essentially untouchable.
After tearing his Achilles tendon in 2015 while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Matthews signed a four-year deal with the Mavericks. The initial contract offering was for $57 million, but then Dallas upped it to a max $70-million deal following the DeAndre Jordan fiasco. Matthews recovered remarkably well from his Achilles injury, and in two and a half seasons in Dallas, he’s averaged 13 points and 37 percent from three while only missing 13 games.
In typical Mavericks fashion, their current expectations of the potential worth of Matthews far outpace market reality. While Matthews is the consummate professional, his shooting is often sporadic, and his defensive effectiveness does not keep pace with how hard he works. He is vastly overpaid, and the salary cap is projected to remain flat next season. Considering Matthews has a player option for an astounding $18 million next season (which he will absolutely pick up), the Mavericks should move Matthews if the opportunity arises.