The Dallas Mavericks held back during the 2020-21 NBA season's trade deadline.

During the heart of the year, the Mavericks expressed interest in sending a package centered around Kristaps Porzingis, in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr., according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.

Not moving Porzingis turned out to be the right move for the Mavericks, as the Warriors swingman struggled through the second half of the season. However, it's interesting to note that this isn't the first rumor to leak out of Dallas' front office surrounding Porzingis. And at each turn, Mark Cuban is adamant that a Porzingis trade isn't happening. But Cuban's word can't be completely trusted.

He adamantly denied the dysfunction in the front office, but days later, both Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle stepped down from their roles within the organization.

When regarding the Mavericks, you have to believe that where there is smoke, there is fire. And if this report by Fischer is true, it shows Dallas was ready to move on from Porzingis earlier than his playoff disappointment.

Oubre ended the season averaging 15 points per game and six rebounds in 55 games played. He shot 43 percent from the field and 31 percent from behind the 3-point line. To add insult to injury, he ended the season not playing in the final 10 games, and he was listed as inactive for two of them, due to a wrist injury.

The move for Oubre would have brought with it negative returns for the Mavericks, as the 25-year-old wing is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Should Dallas pursue Oubre in free agency?

With Oubre set to enter unrestricted free agency, his style of play can add another dimension to the Mavericks.

In the 2019 offseason, he signed a two-year $30 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. While there, he enjoyed a breakout season averaging 18 points per game on 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from three.

It benefited his game to play with a good playmaker in Ricky Rubio, who was adept at finding him in open spaces on the floor. It's easy to imagine what Oubre can be when paired with Doncic – one of the best playmakers in the league. However, at an expected $20 million per year, bringing in Oubre may lead to a lack of financial flexibility moving forward.

It also depends on what Dallas' new regime aims to do with Tim Hardaway Jr., who may see an increased salary due to his play at the end of the season. If the Mavericks don't bring him back, they lose one of their premier shooters but gain roughly $20 million in cap space. But adding Oubre and losing Hardaway for the same price feels like subtraction by addition.

Hardaway is a better shooter (39 percent from three), and he is a plus defender with his willingness to take on tough assignments every night. Oubre may be younger, but Dallas is chasing playoff contention, and a proven veteran presence is better for the locker room down the stretch of an NBA season.

Adding Oubre only makes sense if it comes at a discounted rate. And that is more unlikely than plausible.

Offseason future for Dallas:

Oubre's playstyle fits with Doncic on paper, but that was a move the Mavericks' previous regime wanted. There is no proof that the organization still wants to trend in that direction. It doesn't help that the Mavericks still need a rebounder. But before that, they also need a coach and general manager.

This offseason is a big one for Dallas. However, the Mavericks can't become victims of overpaying for middle-tier players who won't move the needle come playoff time.

Related Mavericks reading:

"Josh Green's next step forward starts with more minutes in year two."

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Feature image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.