The Dallas Mavericks still have an open 15th roster spot. Many thought they were looking to get involved in the aftermath of a potential Kevin Durant blockbuster from the Brooklyn Nets, but that looks to be out of the spectrum of possibilities now. Of course, there are other potential major trades that Dallas can be involved in, such as a Donovan Mitchell deal.
With that being said, the Mavericks can’t just wait around and hope that something falls in their lap. The team already faced a major blunder by being too passive with Jalen Brunson, who signed with the New York Knicks, so they must be aggressive in solving the issue.
Options for the Dallas Mavericks Final Roster Spot
The Big Fish
Rumors continue to persist about the Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers discussing a sign-and-trade deal for guard Collin Sexton. If this were to happen, the Mavericks would likely have to move a couple of pieces. This would then give them a better idea of how to fill open roster spots.
From a pure basketball point of view, acquiring Sexton makes sense for the Mavericks. He’s a dynamic scoring guard who provides an excellent punch alongside MVP candidate Luka Doncic.
When Sexton was last healthy in the 2020-21 season, he averaged upwards of 24 points per game. He was also a decent facilitator averaging over four assists per game.
The question, however, is if it’s worth giving up future cap space flexibility to bring in Sexton. Although very talented, he may not be seen as enough to thread the needle. With that being said, Doncic alone makes the Mavericks a title contender, and adding scorers around him sounds like a straightforward and good idea.
Dallas Mavericks Roster Needs
A Sexton deal falls out of the current roster needs as it runs under the assumption that the Mavericks would have to give up multiple pieces.
Dallas probably wouldn’t go the big-man route after signing JaVale McGee and trading for Christian Wood.
One major position of need is a stable backup point guard. Brunson hasn’t truly been “replaced,” so Spencer Dinwiddie inserts into the starting line-up off the bench.
Another need is bench scoring. As of now, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber are the experienced Dallas scorers off the bench. There exists a possibility that Wood will start the season off the bench while Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock take the starting forward positions, but a team can never have too many scorers.
Free Agent Possibilities
One major name the Mavericks can look into is Carmelo Anthony. He’s an experienced veteran who still has something left in the tank. He can play both forward positions and provide an excellent catch-and-shoot option for Doncic.
Eric Bledsoe remains on the market and looks to be the best option in terms of providing point guard depth. Salary may be a potential issue, however. The same goes for Dennis Schroder.
Low-cost options at the point guard position include DJ Augustin, Elfrid Payton, Isaiah Thomas, and others. Dallas can be nostalgic too and invite a familiar face in Dennis Smith Jr. to camp.
Other options that can be considered include Ben McLemore, E’Twaun Moore, and Wayne Ellington.
