Mavericks on verge of dumping once-hyped talent that never got a fair chance

The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the top teams in the NBA talking circle despite news hitting an all-time low in August. While news is still slow, the Mavericks are still a few moves away from finalizing their roster before training camp begins in early October.

For starters, the Mavericks must extend P.J. Washington, as he is due for a potential four-year, $89 million contract extension starting on August 29 that would not only make him a part of Dallas' future but also a mainstay in the Cooper Flagg era. The Mavericks must also create a much-needed roster spot by either trading a player in a salary-dump fashion or waiving a contract.

With this in mind, many fans have been quick to label Olivier-Maxence Prosper as the odd man out, especially since he has been reported to be on the trade block, and as we inch closer to the regular season, it gets harder for Nico Harrison and the Mavs front office to trade him without giving up a valuable asset in the process. Waiving Prosper just before the regular season starts may seem like a cold move by the franchise, but it may end up being the only option if they can't find a trade partner.

Trading or waiving Olivier-Maxence Prosper seems inevitable for Dallas

Entering his second year as a professional with the Mavericks, Prosper had plenty of hope after coming off an impressive end to his rookie campaign. While Prosper wasn't given the chance to really flourish on an NBA floor in Dallas in his rookie or even sophomore season, Prosper's time with the Mavs could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

With the Mavericks rumored to be signing Dante Exum to a one-year minimum contract, it forces the Mavericks to create a roster spot, and Prosper may be the only player worth getting rid of. Dallas re-signing Exum makes perfect sense considering the team lacks a primary point-of-attack defender, as well as guard depth, and Exum was one of the only names available that filled those two needs.

While there are some other names the Mavericks could look to shop on the trade market, like Jaden Hardy, it's still likely that the Mavericks would need to attach valuable assets to Hardy's contract for a team to be willing to bring him in. Not only would waiving or trading Prosper make the most sense, but if the Mavericks are serious about building around Flagg's future, they must do everything possible to retain draft assets.

For Prosper, it probably wouldn't be hard for him to find a home on one of the bottom-feeder teams looking to sign a flyer prospect for cheap. Not only would a team be signing him for cheap, but they wouldn't need to trade any assets by signing him off waivers or the open market.

This would not only give Prosper much-needed playing time, being on a team that isn't logjammed at the forward spot, but it could also allow Prosper to reach his full potential after a disappointing second season in Dallas.

The path to Prosper playing in Dallas with a legitimate role is almost impossible, considering the names in front of him like Anthony Davis and Flagg. Therefore, waiving Prosper and allowing him to sign somewhere else or even overseas would be the best option for the 23-year-old.