The Dallas Mavericks have been linked to Toronto Raptors star forward Pascal Siakam over the last several weeks, and excitement among the fan base grew on Tuesday after Dallas was listed as the betting odds favorite to pull off a trade for the two-time All-Star.

Given that Siakam is on an expiring contract, and that there’s no guarantee he’d re-sign with the Mavs even if they did pull off a deal, the Dallas front office is surely being calculated about what price is “too steep” and what price is “just right.” Given the Mavs’ severe frontcourt deficiencies, though, especially when Dereck Lively II is out, perhaps GM Nico Harrison should be open to giving a little bit more than he’d like to for Siakam.

After pulling off their best win of the season against the West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, the Mavs followed that up with a massive dud on Tuesday against a severely shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies squad at home. Dallas got pounded on the boards, 54-33, and lost the game, 120-103, despite having both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing.

As good as the Mavs’ star backcourt duo is, it’s not going to matter long-term if the frontcourt isn’t fixed. Lively getting healthy after his second ankle sprain of the season helps with the starting center situation, but Dallas still needs better backup options at center to lessen the 19-year-old’s load.