Coach Rick Carlisle says Dallas Mavericks 'pursuing anything and everything'

To date, this hasn’t been an easy season for the Dallas Mavericks. They have lost three in a row after last night’s defeat at the hands of the rival San Antonio Spurs and the Mavs have dropped nine of their last 10 games. A challenging slate of games looms between now and Christmas Day, which could spell even tougher times for Dallas.

As the team deals with injuries to the frontcourt and this 2-13 start, coach Rick Carlisle said after last night’s game that the Mavs’ aren’t about to rule out any potential roster moves. Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News has more:

It was the first of four meetings between these teams in a span of 32 days. And when it was done and the Mavericks limped off with another loss and a 2-13 record, coach Rick Carlisle said things might look different by the time these teams meet for the last time on Dec. 16.

“I think we’re pursuing anything and everything out there,” Carlisle said when asked if the Mavericks were in the market for perimeter help after Dorian Finney-Smith was ruled out “for a while” with a left knee/quad injury. “At 2-13, pretty sure we’re not standing pat. But my focus is the guys we have right now and helping them fight through this and get better.”

It’s worth noting that trades are difficult to make in the NBA until Dec. 15, when players acquired in free agency in the summer become eligible to be traded. But if there is a player in the G-League or overseas that the Mavericks think could help, you can be certain they will consider all options.

That said, their fight has been good since last week when the Mavericks got their second win. But the results against recent high-level competition haven’t been there.

Additionally, veteran Dirk Nowitzki revealed he’s been dealing with some swelling in his right knee of late:

“I feel better,” he said. “It’s been a long road, 11 games in 18 days coming out of the gate didn’t really help. In hindsight, I probably should’ve sat out one or two.

“My knee was a little swollen last week. I had to address that after the Cleveland game. It’s been fine ever since. Hopefully I won’t have any problems the rest of the season.”

Nowitzki said he felt like he could make moves again and the 29 minutes were tied for the most he’s played this season. He has not missed a game yet.

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