The Dallas Mavericks are facing a tough stretch, having lost four consecutive games with Luka Dončić sidelined due to a calf strain sustained on Christmas Day. This losing streak has been worsened by injuries and illness, with the team facing more challenges as Kyrie Irving was ruled out for Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a back issue. This left the Mavs hoping to snap their losing streak, which started after a dramatic win over the Phoenix Suns on December 27, marked by a heated scuffle and suspensions for P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Jusuf Nurkić.
On the Suns’ side, their recent struggles mirror the Mavs’ slump, with Phoenix losing four straight games and tensions rising in the locker room over player roles. Reports suggest that Bradley Beal and Nurkic will be benched in favor of Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee starting against the Philadelphia 76ers. This move, particularly Beal’s demotion, raises questions about the Suns’ direction. Having invested heavily in Beal during the summer of 2023, Phoenix’s decision could signal a shift in their strategy. The move may also be an attempt to push Beal into waiving his no-trade clause, potentially setting up a deal with the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler.
While Butler could be a more effective option than Beal, acquiring him could put the Suns in a risky position, especially since Butler is expected to opt out of his contract this offseason. If Phoenix traded for him and lost him for nothing in free agency, it would be a huge blow, benefiting the Mavericks as they would face one less contender in their Finals pursuit. The Suns’ lack of future draft picks (their next first-rounder isn’t until 2031) and potential difficulties in attracting free agents could lead to their downfall, providing an opportunity for Dallas to surpass them.
In contrast, the Mavericks’ roster seems well-constructed with a solid supporting cast around Dončić and Irving. Instead of overcommitting to another superstar acquisition, general manager Nico Harrison has focused on surrounding his stars with role players who complement their games. The Mavericks are reportedly not pursuing Butler despite his apparent interest in joining them. Any moves Dallas makes before the trade deadline are expected to be modest, and they likely have the pieces in place to contend for a championship as they did last season.
The Mavericks-Suns rivalry is set to continue, and with both teams in flux, the next matchup between them on March 9 could add another layer of intrigue. If Phoenix does acquire Butler, it could spark further drama, especially with the Mavs staying away from a potential trade for him.
