Mavericks' next rumored move is one fans saw coming from miles away

The Dallas Mavericks' unbelievable chain of events that has gone down over the last month has been anything but expected, as it all started with Nico Harrison electing to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in the middle of the night on February 1.

No one ever expected Doncic to be wearing a different team's jersey, and neither did he. He wanted to be a Maverick for life, and everything that he said and did reflected that. Doncic was ready to sign a supermax extension with the Mavs this offseason, but they elected to break up the team that took them to the NBA Finals last season. Things couldn't be any worse right now as Kyrie Irving went down with an ACL tear on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings, and they'll be scrambling for answers over the next few weeks.

The brutal breaks keep coming for Dallas, and one of the worst parts about the Irving injury is that they can't sign another guard until April 10. Since the Mavericks traded Quentin Grimes for Caleb Martin and took back more money than they sent out, they are hardcapped. Dallas can't sign anyone to a standard deal for over a month, but it's obvious who they are likely eyeing to fill this roster spot.

Mavericks' plans for final roster spot revealed by insider

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are considering signing Kessler Edwards (subscription required) to a standard deal once April 10 rolls around. While Edwards has had some excellent stretches and even stepped in as a starter, he isn't the only option for this spot.

Stein reported that Dallas' health and time-specific team needs will play in a role in who they decide to sign, and among the potential candidates for that spot is Kai Jones. The Mavs signed Jones to a two-way deal earlier this week, and if he continues to play at a high level, then Dallas will have to consider him as well.

Dallas' motives of what to do with this roster spot will likely depend on the state of the team at that time, because if they fall out of the play-in race and have no shot of making the playoffs, they can sign someone who fits more of their long-term picture rather than a player who was going to help them over their final few games.

Edwards would fit both of those molds depending on which direction they decide to go, and he is showing that he has the tools to be a rotational defensive-minded wing in the NBA one day if given the right opportunity and role. This season for Dallas, Edwards is averaging 2.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the field, and his versatility as a defender has been evident in his expanded role.

Edwards can guard two through five effectively when needed, and he gives his all in any matchup. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Edwards has the size and length to guard multiple positions, and Mavericks fans have seen that firsthand. He even had to start some games at center this season, and whatever role Jason Kidd has given him, he has accepted.

Edwards and Jones will have over a little over a month to prove to the coaching staff that they deserve a spot on the 15-man roster, but it may not even matter in the sense of playoff seeding at that point.

This season could quickly fall apart depending on the injury diagnoses the Mavs provide on Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, and it may be in their best interest not to rush anyone back. Without Irving, Dallas' hope of making another deep playoff run has been destroyed, and some fans have already started looking ahead to next year.

The dog days of the Mavericks' season are officially upon us, and only time will tell how Dallas decides to address their open roster spot.