But the NBA world is preparing a response: By Feb. 7, leagues sources tell me, there will be at least two NBA teams that will contact the Mavs about trying to acquire Barnes and/or Powell.
More on Dwight Powell Trade?
Or maybe the trade calls come sooner. Predicts one team executive: "(Dallas) will start getting calls on Wednesday.'' Wednesday is the day before the deadline. Wednesday is the day that Dallas, accepting of having to live with another year of Barnes and Powell (and I don't mean to have that sound more negative than it is), will be provided an escape hatch or two. Do the Kings or the Cavs or Jazz want Barnes because of his talent? Does another team like Orlando see Powell as a solid piece? Can Dallas get involved in a three-way if the Pacers, Wizards or Pels need help? And ultimately, is there a way to move Barnes and Powell without taking a cap clog in return?
Dallas will now have reinforcements to look forward to upon their return home to Dallas to take on the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, as the rest of the trade package sans Kristaps Porzingis should be ready for action in that game. Wednesday will also not only be a chance for the Mavs to string together their third win in four games but also, as our Mike Fisher teased on Saturday, serve as the last chance for a showcase for both Harrison Barnes and Dwight Powell, the pair of whom might have a chance to be moved Thursday's trade deadline. On the one hand, sources have made it clear to DBcom that the Mavs are prepared to be without cap room as a result of the KP trade and Barnes and Powell not opting out this summer, as we wrote in our scoop here. On the other hand ... Fish is reporting that there could be movement in this regard before the Feb. 7 deadline. ...
