The Dallas Mavericks are facing a critical period in the 2024-2025 NBA season, as injuries have begun to derail their promising start.

The most significant of these setbacks is the absence of superstar Luka Dončić, who will miss at least a month due to a nagging left calf strain.

Without Dončić’s playmaking and scoring prowess, the Mavericks’ offense has struggled, as evidenced by their three consecutive losses to start the new year.

While the return of Naji Marshall from suspension provides some hope, the Mavericks’ issues extend beyond just Dončić’s absence. P.J. Washington, a recent acquisition who had been providing a much-needed boost to both the offense and defense, suffered a knee sprain in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

Washington had been playing at a high level, scoring 28 points against the Sacramento Kings in his return from suspension, making his injury even more concerning for the Mavericks.

With Dončić and Washington both sidelined, Dallas is left scrambling to maintain its competitiveness in the Western Conference. Washington, in particular, had been playing an essential role as a versatile wing and power forward, contributing on both sides of the ball. His injury now highlights the Mavericks’ pressing need for additional depth in these positions.

Maxi Kleber’s performance has declined, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper has yet to prove himself as a reliable option. Without Washington, the Mavericks are even more vulnerable, especially with Dončić’s absence.

The urgency for the Mavericks to make a trade for a backup power forward or wing has never been greater. Despite having limited assets to work with, the Mavericks must explore the trade market for a player who can provide a defensive presence and offensive versatility.

Possible trade targets could include young veterans like Obi Toppin or Herbert Jones, both of whom could fill the role of a starting-caliber wing. However, acquiring such players would require Dallas to part with valuable assets, which could prove challenging given their current roster situation.

Ultimately, the Mavericks cannot afford to wait much longer to make a move. With their playoff hopes on the line and key injuries to both Dončić and Washington, securing additional depth at the wing or power forward position is crucial to maintaining their competitive edge in the tough Western Conference.