Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle on Friday said he has tried to reach out to point guard Dennis Smith Jr. and would "love to have him back."
Sources told ESPN on Thursday that the Mavericks are optimistic that they can reconcile and move forward with Smith Jr., who has recently expressed that he hopes to be traded. Sources said Smith is frustrated with his role and has had friction with Carlisle since Rookie of the Year front-runner Luka Doncic has seized the reins of the offense.
"Dennis Smith is not here, but I want to let everybody know I reached out to him and his agent last night and let them know that when he's feeling better, he's welcome to rejoin the team at any time," Carlisle said Friday.