Sefko: Here's a deadline move that would make sense for the Mavericks

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Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki (41) collides with Cleveland's Anthony Bennett (15) in the second quarter during the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Monday, February 3, 2014.
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Mavericks beat writer Eddie Sefko answered questions about the team in a chat Tuesday.  Here are some highlights.

Question: Why don't the Mavs send James down to the D leaque so he can get more game experience?

Eddie Sefko: Great question and I actually have a so-so answer. Part of the reason is that the D-League is great for seasoning when it comes to guards and wing players. But when it comes to centers and power forwards, there just isn't as much high-level competition at that level. That's not to say it wouldn't be beneficial. But it's also a numbers game. The Mavericks have more point guards now than they have true centers. One injury to Dalembert, Blair or Wright and James would suddenly be in the rotation. Another factor to consider, and I don' t have this confirmed, but my gut tells me it could be the case, is that James' agent may have put a clause in the contract he signed this summer about not being sent to the D-League. Or at least James having to agree to go there. This is only his second season, so the team normally could send him down whenever it wants and the player would have no recourse, unless it was an amendment to his contract. Mostly, though, it's probably a function of simply wanting him to keep playing against NBA competition, even if it's in practice, rather than the D-League big men who are there for a reason.

Question: Is there any chance the Mavs can get their hands on Larry Sanders? I know it is a gamble but maybe it's worth it. I guess a package of one or two expiring contracts and 2 or 3 second round picks is not enough or what is your opinion?

Eddie Sefko: From what I'm hearing, the Bucks don't want to deal him because they know they'd be selling low. And I don't believe the Mavericks are infatuated with the troubled big man. Plus, is he going to come in and take minutes away from Dalembert or Blair or Wright? Probably so. And that might be a complicated mix to to make happen. If it required a transition period (read: unexpected losses), it's not worth it.

Question: Do you think Carlisle has hit up Larry Brown for advice?

Eddie Sefko: One thing I will say is that we have some pretty salty coaches roaming sidelines in the Dallas area these days. As a proud Peruna, I'm happy to see those guys enjoying some success. I wasn't at the Memphis game, but I heard it was true-to-life, big-boy basketball with a loud arena and lots of excitement. That program deserves it after the resources that have been devoted to it. But, no, I don't think Carlisle and Brown talk a lot. Remember, the Pistons fired Rick essentially o make room for Brown before the team won the championship in 2003.

Question: Is Lamar Odom the worst Maverick of all time?

Eddie Sefko: Remember the '90s? There's plenty of competition for that dishonor. But let's just say that Odom would be on the all-scar team if the Mavericks ever put together a group that left serious blotches on the franchise.

Question: Who will the Mavs trade for at the deadline?

Eddie Sefko: Nobody that you think very highly of. They are intrigued by the way this group has played, even though it hasn't hit anything that would be considered a legitimate hot streak. If the Mavericks do anything, I expect it to be turning over something nearer the bottom of the roster than the top. Think Dahntay Jones for Anthony Morrow. If the Mavericks could trade, say, Wayne Ellington for an expiring contract and get off of Ellington's $2.5 million for next season, it would make sense.


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