Report: NBA execs expect Mavs to deal Smith

With the emergence of Luka Doncic, team executives expect the Dallas Mavericks to eventually deal second-year guard Dennis Smith Jr., according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

Stein notes that there's skepticism regarding Smith's fit in the backcourt with Doncic and teams are monitoring how the situation will unfold.

The Mavs insist that they aren't shopping Smith, but the club is at least gauging the market, team executives told Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

A wrist injury has limited Smith to three games during December. The former No. 9 overall pick is averaging 13 points, four assists, and three boards per contest this season.

Dallas (15-17) sits 12th in the Western Conference, just two games back of a playoff spot.