DALLAS _ The Dallas Mavericks are looking to deal their prized lotto pick from a year ago because he has played his way out of town.
The team that was entirely about DSJ a year ago is now entirely about "The Jedi," Luka Doncic (I know, I know, the nickname based on Luke Skywalker is a reach, but I just can't call him "The Matador").
DSJ doesn't play well with Luka, and that's that. DSJ has to be dealt.
The Mavs let this go on too long for him not to be traded. He knows how the Mavs feel about him, so a return to the team that drafted him is a no.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 7, and bet your friends a cold Shiner with a dozen glazed donuts that DSJ will not be a Mav on Feb. 8, or by Friday.
He missed practice on Tuesday because he had what coach Rick Carlisle called a "stomach bug." This is after DSJ missed the last three games with tightness in his back.
Lots of players tend to come up with flu-like symptoms when they are about to be traded.
When supreme basketball insider Adrian Wojnarowski says your team is looking to deal you, it's sell your house. Woj reported that the Mavs have "ramped up" their talks to move DSJ on Monday, possibly to the Suns or Magic.
The Mavs host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, so expect DSJ's back to magically flair up about 90 minutes before tip-off. Or for him to become violently ill.
"We all get into this business knowing this dynamic and knowing that trades are possible. Knowing that everything is possible," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said Tuesday. "It's already a boiling pot of water, and a couple of degrees here or there and big deal. We have to come in and be professionals. That's how I view it. Just waiting for him to feel better."
In three years, the Mavs have transitioned from Dirk Nowitzki's team, to DSJ's team, and now to Luka's team. The Mavs are Luka's world, and anyone else is living in it, including Der Mann himself.
For Mavs' fans with long memories, dealing DSJ is not going to be like when they traded away any of the Three Js, Jason Kidd, Jimmy Jackson and Jamal Mashburn.
You can find another DSJ.
They need to find another DeAndre Jordan.
