Trade rumors are flying across the NBA as the trade deadline is less than a month away (February 6th), and most trade restrictions let up this week on January 15th. The Dallas Mavericks have been connected in some trades for players like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Kuzma, but one NBA writer believes in a different strategy for the Mavs.

The Mavericks have gone 3-7 in their last 10 games, struggling to find a rhythm with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving out of the lineup. With the trade deadline approaching, Dallas has been mentioned as a potential landing spot for big names, such as Jimmy Butler, but an NBA analyst isn't quite sure that will happen.

With Luka Doncic missing his 10th straight game with a left calf strain and projected to remain out through at least late January, Irving is Dallas’ best chance of remaining afloat in Western Conference amid a roaring rapids stretch of games.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since Jan. 1 with a back injury, has been cleared to return for Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets ( 9:30 ET, TNT ). Kyrie Irving (lumbar back sprain) will be AVAILABLE tonight against the Denver Nuggets.