Kyrie Irving won't block Mavericks' rumored offseason goal if latest buzz is true

Since winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes at the NBA Draft Lottery over two weeks ago, plenty of buzz and fan conversation has revolved around what the Mavericks will do this offseason. Many fans speculate that it will be one of Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington, who will be packaged in a trade to acquire a point guard, which is currently Dallas' biggest need.

While trading one of the two former starters would be an easy path to acquiring a high-level guard this summer, the Mavericks may have multiple alternative routes they can take to achieve their goal.

Re-signing Kyrie Irving and drafting Flagg will be at the top of the Mavericks' agendas this offseason, but following that, the Mavericks are desperate for guard help. Rumors have indicated that Dallas is looking for more ball handling and playmaking to help hold them over until Irving returns from injury, and this potential position seems attractive to those around the league, per some new intel.

Dallas will still draw key free agents even with limited spending power

While Irving's contract extension may make other guards hesitate before thinking about calling Dallas home next season, the Mavericks may have just enough to offer the veteran minimum contract this summer. According to Jake Fischer of 'The Stein Line,' Dallas could still be a favorable destination for high-level guards.

"Some rival cap strategists, meanwhile, have suggested that limited financial flexibility after an Irving re-signing might not hamper the Mavericks' efforts to find a high-level guard, since they'll be able to offer the carrot of opportunity at a minimum." Fischer wrote.

To some fans, this may not seem like an achievable opportunity to acquire a guard this summer, but with the Mavericks drafting Flagg and the team's championship hopes still at the forefront, this may be the perfect opportunity for a veteran guard looking to make an impact in any way possible, even on a veteran minimum deal. Fischer made it clear that people around the league think that free agent guards will want to sign with Dallas, regardless of how much they can pay them, as players can prove themselves in this elevated role.

It's unclear if Irving will take a pay cut so the Mavericks can have more flexibility, but regardless of the dollar figure Irving extends for, Dallas will be a top destination for free agents.

Dallas wouldn't just be marketing their championship aspirations in an attempt to get a guard with a higher pedigree, but they would also be using Irving's injury as an opportunity to gain a starting role for at least half of the season while Irving rehabs.

There are plenty of names on Maverick fans' radar, but with the veteran minimum being one of the only real possibilities as a way of acquiring a guard, it could narrow that list down to a few names. Some have already linked Dallas as a potential Chris Paul landing spot, which might be enticing for the 20-year veteran, but the Mavericks could also choose to go younger if they wish to match Flagg's timeline.

Similarly to the Phoenix Suns last season, the Mavericks will have a veteran minimum slot to offer a point guard of their choosing. While the Suns chose Tyus Jones as their signing (who never panned out), the Mavericks have multiple names who could be enticing candidates.

It's uncertain which route the Mavericks will take to fill one of their top needs on the roster, but Dallas is thought of as an attractive free agency destination due to the starting point guard spot being open while Irving is out.

The Mavericks will have a plethora of names to choose from, and if Paul wishes to mold another young player into a star with Flagg, Dallas may be the perfect destination. The Mavericks will be in search of defense on top of a secondary playmaker while Irving remains sidelined, which is why Paul or a name like Malcom Brogdon could be a perfect addition.