With the Dallas Mavericks opening up the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, they are expected to target a veteran point guard. Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon are potential targets the Mavericks plan to pursue in free agency.
The salary flexibility was created by Kyrie Irving opting out of his $43 million player option and agreeing to a three-year, $119 million contract. Irving is expected to return as early as January 2026, necessitating the Mavericks acquiring a point guard to navigate the early part of the season.
Schroder averaged 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 75 games across the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons.
Russell averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 58 games with the Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul appeared in all 82 games with the San Antonio Spurs where he averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
Brogdon averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in just 24 games with the Washington Wizards.