It appears that 29-year old small forward Josh Howard is getting offered around the league in trade talks. He has played in 28 games (7 starts) for the Mavericks this season and he is averaging 26.4 minutes, 12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. But, his shooting has been off this season as he is only hitting 39.4% of his shots from the floor and 26.5% from three point range. Howard is a talented player but I really doubt that he can bring as much in return in a trade as he is probably worth to the Mavericks.

Forward Tim Thomas has played well whenever the Mavericks have called on him. He has played in 18 games (1 start) for the Mavericks this season and he is averaging 15.8 minutes, 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. Thomas is a good outside shooter who really gives the Mavericks another weapon off the bench. But, he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy this year.

Shawn Marion is averaging the least amount of minutes (31) and shots (10) per game since his rookie season in 1999-’00, but he has still been a very strong and consistent player for the 30-15 Dallas Mavericks this season.  He shoots for a good percentage (51%) and is one of the Mavericks’ best defenders.  On the season, Marion is averaging 11.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks.  Despite being in the league for 10 years now, the 31-year-old Marion has not lost much of his athleticism and is one of Dallas’ best play-makers.  He is good complementary player to Dirk Nowitzki as well as Jason Kidd.  Kidd still likes to get out on the break and dish it off to a good fast break finisher, something Marion has always been great at and still is.  Marion is one of those players who does not have to score a ton to make a big impact on the game, but he still can be relied on to give the Mavs some extra scoring on offense when they need it.  Marion will be a big asset for the Mavs in the playoffs.

Jason Kidd will go down as one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA, and even though he has been in the league for over 15 years he is still one of the best point guards currently in the league.  Although Kidd is averaging a career low in points, he is still a stat sheet filler that sets his teammates up perfectly and plays great defense.  Kidd is averaging 8.9 points, 9.2 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.  The knock on Kidd has always been his lack of an outside shot but he has been very effective from three point land, hitting 41% of his threes.  His 9.2 assists per game average is good enough for 5th best in the league and he still makes things difficult for opposing guards with his strength and great anticipation on defense.  Kidd is one of the main reasons why the Mavericks have the second best record in the Western Conference and they will need his strong play and leadership come playoff time.

The Mavericks have gotten outstanding production out of the center position this season. Erick Dampier and Drew Gooden are combining to average 47.7 minutes, 15.7 points, 16.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 2.8 blocked shots per game. Both players are used to playing bigger minutes so they are fresh and ready to rock for the Mavericks and the team is benefitting big time from it.