No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, the Dallas Mavericks are in a dark place right now. This isn’t so much because of a lack of talent, which is what plagues many downtrodden franchises. It’s purely the reaction to their decision to trade face of the franchise Luka Doncic, one of the game’s true phenoms. As a consequence, they’ve lost the adoration of many of their fans, which has created an uncomfortable atmosphere.
The only solution is to make moves that regain the public’s trust.
2025 NBA Offseason: Mavs Master Plan
Draft
As of today, Dallas is projected to get the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After the NBA Draft Lottery, that could change. The Mavericks do have a 8.5 percent chance of landing a top-four pick and a 1.8 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick. No matter what though, they’ll have a lottery pick. With that in mind, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11th overall), Tyler Herro (13th overall), Tyrese Haliburton (12th overall), and Jalen Williams (12th overall) are just a few stars who have recently been selected outside of the top-10.
Dallas drafting a game-changer outside of the top-10 won’t come down to luck, but fine scouting. Due to their team needs, a backcourt prospect will likely be their focus. Just think, Kyrie Irving will probably be out until January. Dante Exum and Spencer Dinwiddie will be free agents. Brandon Williams has been a revelation but may have just been a flash in the pan. Furthermore, when Dallas traded Doncic, they lost an elite shot-creator and playmaker.
Looking at the guards that are expected to be available in the back half of the lottery, Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears appears to be the best fit.
An excellent ball-handler and smooth athlete, he can get anywhere he wants on the court. He takes a number of tough shots around the rim, particularly around the rim, but he also has a soft touch. Per Synergy, Fears shot 36.1 percent catch-and-shoot 3s, 44.1 percent on midrange jumpers, 50 percent on floaters (h/t Yahoo Sports analyst Kevin O’Connor). At the defensive end, Fears is inconsistent but ultra-competitive and has shown a knack for coming away with steals.
Free Agency
Dallas may not attract many marquee free agents if players have reservations about Nico Harrison. That doesn’t matter right now. For one, the Mavericks don’t have much money to play with, projected to have a maximum of $6 million in cap space this offseason. Secondly, 39-year-old Chris Paul, 38-year-old Al Horford, and 37-year-old Deandre Jordan are the only ‘All-Stars’ who’ll be unrestricted free agents.
However, Dallas could attempt to pry away a disgruntled restricted free agent with an offer sheet. That player would be Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has been at odds with his head coach, Steve Kerr. Because the organization values him, he won’t be cheap; a draft pick or young player may have to be surrendered in the sign-and-trade. Still, the Mavericks have something else the Warriors might want in return in Klay Thompson.
With that being said, the Brooklyn Nets are considered to be Kuminga’s most likely offseason destination.
The Mavericks don’t need a splash move for it to have the right ripple effect though. They simply need a player who can step in for Anthony Davis in case of injury and add a couple of 3-and-D wings. Their options should include: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves), Taurean Prince (Milwaukee Bucks), Gary Trent Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks), Bol Bol (Phoenix Suns), Guerschon Yabusele (Philadelphia 76ers), and Paul Reed (Detroit Pistons).
Among their projected free agents, retaining Exum and Dinwiddie could benefit their continuity and chemistry. Yet, though impressive at times, Dinwiddie’s performances were often disappointing. Exum should be prioritized because of his consistency, defense, and skillset.
Trade
As they have a $16 million and $11 million trade exception, the Mavs can theoretically acquire another rotation-level player. Nonetheless, teams aren’t just trying to give away their talent. With that being said, there are multiple teams that could look to make major changes to their roster this offseason.
The Suns have discussed trades headlined by Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, two high-salary players. However, they may need a third team to facilitate the deal due to their financial situation. The Denver Nuggets could look to make a blockbuster deal involving Michael Porter Jr., who was on the offering table last summer. Depending on how their playoff run plays out, Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma‘s clocks could run out with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Of course, the Mavericks could try to acquire one of those players themselves.
Durant, Irving, and Davis would likely be an exceptional Big 3. Beal wouldn’t have to dim his light to shine in Texas. Porter is a better offensive threat than Thompson is right now. They had interest in Kuzma before.
Out of all those options, finding a way to land Durant sounds the best. Their desire to make a move for the future Hall of Famer is reportedly overstated. Yet, given the clandestine operation that was the Doncic trade, who knows what to believe.
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