Dallas Mavericks: 3 most unlikely players to be on next year’s roster

Dallas Mavericks unlikely to be on next year’s roster: 3. Willie Cauley-Stein

The Mavs have a $4.1 million team option on Cauley-Stein for next season. It would not be shocking if he is brought back. He played in 53 games during the regular season and Dallas had an outstanding 105.3 defensive rating with Trill on the floor. The 27-year-old played in six of the Mavericks’ seven postseason games but averaged just 10.5 minutes per contest.

The front office has plenty of decisions to make at the center position. Kristaps Porzingis still has three years left on his max contract. Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber are also under contract. They will have to decide on who fits best next to Luka Doncic and how the Mavericks can take the next step.

Dallas lacked rim protection against the Clippers, so replacing Cauley-Stein with a veteran that can deter shots in the paint seems like an obvious answer. It would give coach Rick Carlisle just one more card to use in a playoff series.

Do not be surprised to see Willie Cauley-Stein brought back, though. The Dallas Mavericks may prefer the known commodity to outside help. Trill was productive this season and has talked about enjoying his time playing for the Mavs.

Next: No. 2