The Dallas Mavericks are targeting free agent point guards to play in place of Kyrie Irving next season.
The Dallas Mavericks have an exciting season ahead. After the controversial decision to trade Luka Donsic in February this year, few fans would have expected to believe in the team again.
But the good fortune of the Mavericks really shined. They won a lottery draft and chose Cooper Flag for the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.
On top of that, the Mavericks are a potential trade candidate for LeBron James if the 40-year-old superstar asks from the Lakers.
However, for now, a major concern is in the point guard spot. Mavericks needs a backup guard due to Kyrie Irving being injured.
The Mavericks have identified Dangelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon as possible options. And they seem confident in landing one of the stars.
Jake Fisher and Mark Stein reported in their latest report that teams around the NBA expect the Mavericks to offer a two-year, $12 million contract.
They added that the rest of the NBA recognizes that Maverick’s financial restrictions only allow them to use their mid-level exceptions to land Russell.
“Dan Angelo Russell is widely expected to have a two-year contract from Dallas, approaching the $12 million range…
“Mainly because the entire league knows that the Mavericks can offer the former All-Star guard a two-year agreement that begins with the $5.7 million taxpayer Midlevel Exception.
Russell’s previous All-Star Exploit, coupled with his experience playing with Anthony Davis, appears to have leaned the scale favorably.
But the Mavericks want to create space for another free agent that has been a great acquisition for the team in recent months.
In the same report, Stein and Fisher also claimed that the Dallas Mavericks wanted to get Dante Exum back.
Financial details don’t always work, but the Mavericks are trying to swap players and create a cap room.
“However, the Mavericks have not abandoned their hopes of creating a roster room to re-sign Dante Exm, even if they sealed off the expected deal with Brooklyn’s free agent.
“Russell will become the Mavericks’ 15th final standard contract once he reaches the conditions. However, the Mavericks are expected to explore the trade market.
Dante Ex had a decent season with the Mavericks. Despite playing just 18 minutes per night, Exum averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds.
Adding Exum gives Mavericks some additional options to the backcourt. If the team floats in some way until Irving’s return, they will be in a strong position to compete for the NBA championship.