Dallas Mavericks: Is the regular season roster set?

The Dallas Mavericks have 17 players under contract right now. Their roster is full, but is it set for the regular season or will they make another move?

Dallas Mavericks basketball is back. The regular season and home opener occurs on Oct. 23 against the Washington Wizards. Fans are excited to see Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis in a game that counts, so expect a loud sellout crowd inside the American Airlines Center.

The Mavs requested waivers on Dakota Mathias and Aric Holman on Oct. 15. That trimmed their roster down to 17 players. The maximum number an NBA team can hold including their two two-way options.

Is the Mavericks regular season roster set after making those two moves?

Guaranteed deals

The Mavs have 15 players on guaranteed deals. Making a move to their active roster would require a trade or waiving a player and still paying his contract. That is not an ideal scenario for any NBA team.

The front office could decide to change up their two-way contracts. They are currently held by Antonius Cleveland and Josh Reaves. One or both could be converted to a standard contract at some point this season, but Dallas would have to have an open spot.

Decided for regular season opener?

The roster appears set unless the right situation arises. The Mavericks may be willing to waive Ryan Broekhoff and his $1.4 million salary if someone too good to pass up becomes available.

The other 29 teams are trimming their rosters to get under the 17 too. Players of varying skills will be on the market. There are usually a few surprise cuts. The Mavs could be tempted to make a move if they see the right fit.

Roster set for the entire season?

Perhaps this is a more intriguing question to ask. The answer is likely no. The Mavericks have made a trade near the deadline in three straight seasons. The team has an $11.8 million trade exception that expires on Feb. 7 as well.

The most likely candidates to be traded away are Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Dallas is light on draft picks after using them to acquire both Doncic and Porzingis. It will be interesting to see if the front office can snag a difference-maker at the deadline.

The Dallas Mavericks are about to embark on an exciting and entertaining season. Hopefully, fans will check back to The Smoking Cuban all year for opinions and analysis on their favorite organization.