The Mavericks are making last-ditch efforts to acquire Tayshaun Prince or J.R. Smith ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to sources.

However, Dallas isn't overly optimistic about acquiring either player.

Prince and Smith have been high on the team's wish list since Caron Butler went down with a serious knee injury. Their skill set and expiring contracts interest the Mavericks.

The Pistons have rebuffed every inquiry about Prince and the Bulls are the most often mentioned destination for Smith.