For the first time in a long time, the Dallas Mavericks’ free agency moves could be impactful this offseason. The upcoming free agency class is hard to read, with a mix of aging starters, valuable pieces, and intriguing role players. With Khris Middleton‘s huge contract expiring this season, a potential trade for Klay Thompson and a rookie-scale deal for star player Cooper Flagg, the Mavs can maneuver. Let’s take a look at four potential free agency targets as the franchise attempts to make a quick transition into playoff contention under new president Masai Ujiri.
4 Potential Dallas Mavericks Free Agency Targets
1. Rui Hachimura, PF
Rui Hachimura doesn’t have flash, but there is one thing he can offer: consistency. With a reliable 51% from the field this past season, Hachimura is the kind of reliable long-range shooter that any team would value. While his 11.5 points per game this season may seem underwhelming, his status as a fourth or fifth option for the Lakers shrouds his recent development as an anchor in a Luka Doncic-led offence.
PJ Washington currently occupies the four spot in Dallas. However, a three-man rotation in the forward positions between Hachimura, Flagg, and Washington could guarantee the kind of consistency that is crucial to a wannabe contender. Hachimura made his case to stay with the Lakers after his incredible postseason play, but there is a world in which he ends up in Dallas.
2. Jeremy Sochan, PF
Former Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan found himself in a strange position when he was cut from the San Antonio Spurs this season. Undoubtedly a talented player, the New York Knicks picked him up for the remainder of the year. While the Knicks have been successful, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, Sochan has been limited to a meagre seven minutes per game off the bench.
When given the time, Sochan is productive. Unfortunately, he has found himself on two of the league’s strongest rosters this year, and a fresh start is the best choice for the British-Polish forward. Likely costing close to the minimum contract, 22-year-old Sochan has tons of upside and can provide reliable cover and energy off the bench as a forward. It’s a small gamble on youth for a team devoid of draft picks, and the chance to commit daylight robbery against the league.
3. Walker Kessler, C
It’s unlikely that the Mavericks will want to front up the same money that the Utah Jazz will for Walker Kessler, but his signing could create a very pragmatic trade scenario in the Big D. The Jazz’s big man played only five games in the 2025-26 season due to a torn labrum, but he left behind plenty of evidence before going under the knife for his ailment. This guy gets boards. The season prior, Kessler averaged 2.4 blocks and 12.2 rebounds per game.
His arrival would make Dallas a no-fly zone, but would also allow the Mavericks to trade either Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively. Both centers would no doubt bring in substantial draft capital. Ujiri will have to do some crafty asset building this offseason, and this could be shrewd. However, Ujiri will have to navigate restricted free agency with the young Jazz big man. It will be a tough task for the veteran executive to work through if he wants to bring Kessler in.
4. Austin Reaves, SG/PG
Austin Reaves seems set to decline his player option this offseason and get that bag he strongly deserves. From undrafted to undeniable, Reaves stacked up a whopping 23.3 points as a second option on the Lakers. His tandem with Doncic is phenomenal, and with LeBron James entering free agency, it’s likely the Lakers will make room to bring Reaves back. However, if they wish to put assets elsewhere, the Arkansas native would make a great running mate for Flagg.
Adding a third reliable scorer alongside Flagg and a returning Kyrie Irving would do wonders for Ujiri’s win, win, win philosophy. However, Reaves’ lackluster defense is a worry. This would necessitate keeping fellow shooting guard Max Christie in the lineup due to his immense clamps. One of the two would have to move to the small forward slot, shifting Flagg to power forward. It’s something to ponder as the Mavericks retool into playoff hopefuls.
Featured Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
