The Dallas Mavericks are off to a slow 8-7 start for a team that reached the NBA Finals last season.

Fresh off an MVP-caliber season, Luka Dončić was expected to take that next step in his game.

Considering Dončić's chemistry with a locked-in Kyrie Irving, the addition of Klay Thompson, and the depth featuring P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, very few fans and media members expected the Mavs to be in this position.

However, Dončić is battling injuries, significantly killing his shooting efficiency and ability to lock in on defense.

The Mavs could very well look to make some roster moves closer to the deadline, but Fadeaway World suggests that the Mavs should look to avoid trading for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.

The article notes that the Mavs had been linked to the former All-Star guard for years until Irving unexpectedly became available.

LaVine is making $43.3 million this season and is under contract through 2027 unless he opts out of his player option, which seems unlikely.

The Mavs would need to get creative on how they'd bring in the high-flying guard.

They could package any three of Thompson, Washington, Gafford, and Maxi Kleber to make a deal work and perhaps not have to relinquish a first-round draft pick since they could be doing Chicago a favor by taking on the expensive contract.

However, the Mavs would be giving up a decent amount of the depth that helped them get to the Finals a season ago. Washington and Gafford also helped form the Mavs' defensive identity late last season and in the playoffs.

Though LaVine is a deadly scorer who could help provide a punch next to Irving and Dončić, the 29-year-old remains a question mark in terms of his ability to stay healthy.