The Dallas Mavericks are targeting a free-agent point guard to play in place of Kyrie Irving next season.
The Dallas Mavericks have an exciting season ahead of them. After the controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic this February, few fans would have expected to believe in the team again.
But the Mavericks’ fortune really shone, as they won the draft lottery and picked Cooper Flagg with the #1 overall pick in this year’s draft.
On top of that, the Mavericks are contenders for a possible LeBron James trade, should the 40-year-old superstar ask out of the Lakers.
But the bigger concern right now is at the point guard spot. With Kyrie Irving out injured, the Mavericks need a backup guard.
The Mavericks identified D’Angelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon as possible options. And it appears they have confidence in landing one of the stars.
In their latest report, Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported that teams around the NBA expect the Mavericks to offer D’Angelo Russell a two-year, $12 million contract.
They added that the rest of the NBA is aware that the Mavericks’ financial restrictions only allow them to use their mid-level exception to land Russell.
“A two-year deal from Dallas approaching the $12 million range is widely expected for D’Angelo Russell…
“Largely because the whole league knows that the Mavericks can only offer the former All-Star guard a two-year pact that starts at the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception.
It looks like Russell’s previous All-Star exploits, combined with his experience playing with Anthony Davis, tipped the scales in his favor.
But the Mavericks do want to make space for another free agent, one who has been a brilliant get for their team in the last few months.
In the same report, Stein and Fischer also claimed that the Dallas Mavericks wanted to bring back Dante Exum.
While the financial details don’t necessarily work right now, the Mavericks are looking to trade players to create cap room for him.
“Word is that the Mavericks, though, have not abandoned hope of creating roster room for re-signing Dante Exum even if they seal their anticipated deal with the Brooklyn free agent.
“Russell would be the Mavericks’ 15th and final standard contract once he comes to terms. But the Mavericks are expected to explore the trade market… and potentially open a spot to bring back Exum for additional backcourt depth.”
Dante Exum had a decent season with the Mavericks. Despite playing just 18 minutes a night, Exum averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds.
Adding Exum would give the Mavericks some additional options in the backcourt. If the team can somehow stay afloat till Irving’s return, they will be in a strong position to compete for the NBA championship.
