Since the night of February 1, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks have been in a downward spiral.
That evening marked a franchise-altering move when Dallas traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The aftermath of the deal turned out to be far more damaging than team executives Nico Harrison and Patrick Dumont had anticipated. Following the trade, the Mavericks’ season fell apart—and things got even worse when Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in March.
Without Irving, Dallas couldn’t keep pace and ultimately missed the playoffs. Now, they face a crucial offseason, needing to make impactful roster changes to become contenders again. A healthy duo of Irving and Davis, plus the addition of top prospect Cooper Flagg, gives Dallas a foundation to build on but they’re still trying to fill a glaring void left by Dončić’s departure.
Mavericks Focused on Adding a True Playmaker
Since trading Dončić, Dallas has struggled with backcourt depth, and it’s become clear the team lacks a primary playmaker. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Mavericks are actively targeting a guard who can provide reliable playmaking and ball-handling—prioritizing a facilitator over a scorer. This has become a well-known priority around the league.
The Mavs’ offense lost much of its shot creation post-trade, and Irving’s injury only amplified the problem. Acquiring a strong floor general could help stabilize the offense in Irving’s absence and support him once he returns.
Some fan-favorite free agent targets include Dennis Schröder, Tyus Jones, and Chris Paul—all seasoned point guards with the passing skills and leadership Dallas needs. They could handle starting duties while Irving recovers and transition into a supporting role afterward.
This is precisely the type of player fans hoped for, as relying on less proven options like Brandon Williams or Jaden Hardy to run the offense isn’t realistic. Given their limited cap space, the Mavs are likely aiming for veterans willing to sign on budget-friendly deals.
While Dallas may not have the flexibility for splashy signings, adding someone like Paul or Schröder would be a strategic move. Schröder brings perimeter defense and playmaking, while Paul offers veteran leadership and poise.
Finding the right guard will be one of Dallas’s top priorities this offseason. Whether through free agency, a trade, or the NBA Draft—where GM Nico Harrison has already been active scouting prospects—the Mavericks are expected to make moves to address their playmaking needs.
