Dallas Mavericks Face Challenges Ahead of Season
As the Dallas Mavericks brace for a potentially challenging season ahead, they are faced with the reality of Kyrie Irving’s impending absence due to recovery from a torn ACL. This situation prompts the franchise to seek additional support at the point guard position, particularly behind their recent acquisition, D’Angelo Russell.
Potential Target: Dante Exum
One of their targets is Dante Exum, who has previously played with the Mavericks over the past two years. However, his performance was limited last season when he only participated in 20 games after undergoing wrist surgery.
Financial Challenges and Trade Considerations
The major challenge for the Mavericks in signing Exum on a veteran minimum contract is financial. Such a move would push them above the luxury tax’s second apron, which the organization aims to avoid. Consequently, the Mavericks are reportedly considering a trade involving forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
“Prosper, who was the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, was acquired from Sacramento on draft night but has struggled to secure consistent playing time under Jason Kidd’s coaching.”
In addition to Prosper, Jaden Hardy is also regarded as a trade option by Fischer. Hardy, entering his fourth season in the league, averaged 8.7 points per game for Dallas and has three years remaining on his $18 million contract. If the Mavericks choose to trade either player, they may have to package a second-round pick as an incentive to finalize the deal, a prospect the team is reluctant to consider.
Salary Cap Maneuvering
To maneuver within their salary cap constraints, the Mavericks might look into waiving and stretching a player to clear up some financial space. The league’s deadline for such actions is set for Friday at 5 PM Eastern Time, making the clock a critical factor for the Mavericks as they explore their options.
Waiving Hardy could yield the necessary cap room needed to facilitate Exum’s return, while also preserving their valuable draft picks. As developments unfold rapidly in the next day, the Mavericks’ strategies on this front are certainly worth monitoring.
