The Dallas Mavericks are one team that is probably disappointed that the NBA All-Star break is here. They have been playing some great basketball as of late, winning eight of their last 11 games. Since the calendar turned to 2022 they have really found their stride, going 18-6.

That has helped them get into the fifth spot in the Western Conference, four games clear of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who sit in seventh place, the first spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The turnaround in play likely is what led to the trade deadline that the team had.

Dallas made only one deal, trading away Kristaps Porzingis and getting back Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. It was a shocking deal, as Dallas isn’t saving any money and surrendered a second-round pick as well. But, the team no longer saw Poringis as a fit and jumped at the opportunity to move him.

However, the decision to pull the trigger on that deal could have some other ramifications. Dallas no longer has an open roster spot to sign a player that reaches the buyout market. Many presumed the team would target Goran Dragic with that spot, as they have been linked to him for months.