NBA Trade Rumors: Kidd-Gilchrist For Hollis-Jefferson Deal In The Works

The Dallas Mavericks may not be done trying to improve their NBA playoff chances. After recently acquiring Willie Caulley-Stein, there are reports that the Mavs are now studying a potential swap with the Toronto Raptors. The players involved are Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

The Mavs have reportedly kicked tires with the Raptors as they try to shore up their defensive side, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reported. Though it doesn't appear to be a big-time trade, the Mavericks could get some added boost if the deal gets done.

The thing with Kidd-Gilchrist is that he has played only 12 games for the Mavericks. He averaged 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds. The reason for his limited time of action is that he underwent a medical procedure to address a groin strain. He is owed $13 million for this season and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, according to Spotrac.

Rather than maintain Kidd-Gilchrist, Hollis-Jefferson could provide better help. He has played in 38 games, averaging 7.8 points 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists, as per Basketball-Reference.com. By comparison alone, there is no question that 25-year-old could improve the Mavs chances heading into the NBA playoffs. The 6-foot-6 forward is worth only $2.5 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Doing the numbers crunch, a straight swap will not get it done. Dallas may need to add player/s or future picks to consummate the deal. The proposal is deemed only "kicking the tires", meaning there is no surety yet of this from prospering.

Courtney Lee and two second-round picks are believed to be some of the assets the Mavericks could consider. These were mentioned in a previous post in a potential deal but for Andre Iguodala. Depending on how head coach Rick Carlisle and team owner Mark Cuban twist their assets, one or both of those picks could be included in the Kidd-Gilchrist for Hollis-Jefferson trade.

The Mavericks are currently toting a 29-19 win-loss card in the NBA Western Conference. That is good to seat them in sixth place. However, getting the right players could help them improve their seeding. This Kidd-Gilchrist for Hollis-Jefferson may not be much but something that could be a big boost.

For the Raptors, it will take much to agree to this. Taking in Kidd-Gilchrist at this stage may not make sense. They are running second over in the East with a 35-14 win-loss card and want reasonable assets to make it all happen.