Mavs Like Jones, But Could Value Him More As Trade Bait

"At the risk of raining on the Mavs Draft Parade," the enviably well-connected Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.com reports that the Mavericks may see Dominique Jones, whose draft rights they acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies for $3 million, as a trade asset, and not a long-term building block. Fisher explains:

[Rodrigue Beaubois] and Jones as a regular-season tandem in some future season is potentially tantalizing, too; Roddy B is 22 and Dominique is 21 and they are dynamic players and that’s what you call “future.’’

However, I would caution you to not read too much into any of that.

He continues by saying Jones and Beaubois will be part of Dallas' "[trade] pitches to teams," and concludes in this way:

We're excited about that backcourt," Donnie [Nelson] says, and he’s telling the truth. But some other teams might be excited about that backcourt, too.

The Mavs love the potential of Beaubois and Jones. They love what they might become.

And it is within the realm of possibility that “what they might become’’ is ex-Mavs.

Don't read the fact that Jones slipped to the 25th pick as an indictment of his skills. Fisher adds that had to outbid "other contenders" in order to get the pick from Memphis, so clearly Jones was a sought-after commodity on draft night. If Fisher's right, Dallas is banking on that interest not waning anytime soon.

Mavericks Draft Solomon Alabi At 50, Trade Him

According to ESPN, Dallas has traded the rights to the 50th pick, Solomon Alabi, for a 2013 second rounder and a little money:

The Mavericks informed reporters that their second-round pick, center Solomon Alabi, an intriguing pick at No. 50, will be shipped to Toronto for a future second-round pick and cash.

Mavericks Not FInished Trading?

Eddie Sefko reports that the Mavericks are still actively pursuing trade avenues:

Meanwhile, another source said that the Mavericks still are working to make something else happen. They may yet move up in the second round or trade out of it completely. They still own the 50th overall pick.

More On Dominique Jones Trade From ESPN

Jeff Caplan has several details on the move, including:

After discussing potential draft-night deals with several teams -– including talks earlier this week with Miami to acquire the 18th overall pick that was ultimately dealt to Oklahoma City -– Dallas struck this trade with the Grizzlies to acquire the Big East’s second-leading scorer. Stein reports the Mavs paid the maximum $3 million to get the pick.

Mark Cuban Tweet Confirms Trade

Mark Cuban:

We tried to trade into the top20 to get d[j]ones, got lucky to get him 25

Reports: Dallas Trades Cash For Pick No. 25, Selects Dominique Jones

Mark Stein tweets:

Dominique Jones from University of South Florida was drafted by Memphis FOR Dallas. Mavericks purchased pick, sources say

Dallas Mavericks To Draft No. 50

Follow along tonight as we update this draft StoryStream with any Mavericks news and picks, as well as a few general NBA updates. Dallas currently sits with the 50th pick overall.