Dallas Mavericks Rumors: Taj Gibson could be an option for the Mavs, interest in Andre Iguodala has cooled and more

Heading into the 2019-20 season, many experts believed that the Dallas Mavericks were among the teams that could miss out on the playoffs in an ultra-competitive Western Conference.

However, the individual brilliance of Luka Doncic has fuelled a 21-11 start to the season, and with the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers struggling - the Mavs are well on course to make their first postseason appearance since 2017.

In addition to Doncic, the Mavs have plenty of talent in players such as Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. - and they are among the few teams in the NBA with enough cap space to pull off a big move. So, with the Mavericks expected to be active in the trade market, here we will take a look at all the latest rumors you need to know.

#1 Courtney Lee has already been 'shopped' as the veteran looks set to leave Dallas

Courtney Lee has failed to make an impact since his trade from the New York Knicks

While plenty of players have been able to make an impact from the Mavs' bench this season, Courtney Lee has struggled to force his way into Rick Carlisle's plans. Lee has played just eight times for the Mavs this season, averaging 8.6 minutes per appearance - and Heavy.com is reporting that the front office is already shopping the veteran:

They also have the contract, worth $12.6 million, of Courtney Lee, which they’ve shopped around the league.

Lee was traded to the Mavs back in January following a two-year spell with the New York Knicks. The former Celtics man managed 22 appearances during the second half of the 2018-19 season, averaging 3.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 12.2 minutes.

#2 A move for Andre Iguodala is unlikely

Andre Iguodala spent six memorable seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Grizzlies

As one of the few teams in the NBA with enough cap space to take on the final year of Andre Iguodala's $17.1 million contracts, the Mavericks have been frequently mentioned as the most likely destination for the former Warriors man. However, while the Memphis Grizzlies remain desperate to trade the 35-year-old ahead of the deadline, Marc Stein of the New York Times is reporting that the Mavs are unlikely to make a move for the former All-Star:

The Mavericks are fans of Iguodala and had interest during the summer, league sources say, but the word here in Vegas at the G League Showcase is that Dallas continues to be measured with its trade targets even after its 18-9 start
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 20, 2019

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Iguodala would provide the Mavs with a lockdown defender that could potentially guard LeBron James in the postseason, although the Grizzlies are reportedly looking to receive a first-round pick for the former Sixers man. Additionally, Iguodala has also struggled for fitness over the past 18 months, and reports have suggested that he will rejoin the Warriors next summer.

#3 Taj Gibson could be a backup option

Taj Gibson has proven to be a reliable role player over the past few seasons

There are no assurances that the Mavs will be able to land one of their top targets ahead of the trade deadline, and Sean Deveney of heavy.com believes that Dallas could add depth by signing a veteran role player such as the Knicks' Taj Gibson.

The easiest path would be to pluck a veteran or two from a go-nowhere team. The Knicks would be a likely partner, with Taj Gibson’s $9.8 million contract a reasonable target.

Gibson spent two seasons as a starter with the Minnesota Timberwolves before heading to New York during the offseason. Gibson has averaged a career-low 16.0 minutes per game over 30 appearances for the Knicks, and the 34-year-old is averaging just 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. However, the veteran has a wealth of playoff experience and the former Chicago Bulls man could play a prominent bench role.