Mavericks are racing toward a gut-wrenching free agency decision they can't avoid

The Dallas Mavericks don’t have many impending unrestricted free agents, but losing one could sting more than most: Brandon Williams. The breakout star has averaged 12.8 points and 3.8 assists per game over a career-high 60 games this season, cementing himself as a key piece in Dallas’ rotation. While Williams holds Bird Rights, which would allow the Mavericks to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him, the decision won’t be an easy one when the time comes.

Brandon Williams seized the spotlight

Williams has stepped into a larger role for the Mavericks for several reasons. His emergence began after Dallas made the surprising decision to trade Luka Doncic at the 2025 deadline, opening the door for increased opportunities. Williams capitalized, averaging 16.6 points per game in March, and his role only grew further following Kyrie Irving’s season-ending ACL tear. As a result, the Mavericks converted Williams’ two-way contract into a standard two-year deal.

Entering the 2025–26 season with Irving sidelined, Williams took on a significant role immediately, averaging 11.9 points and 4.5 assists per game in March. He was eventually elevated to the starting lineup, as Jason Kidd recognized that Cooper Flagg was most effective alongside a true floor general.

As the season wore on, Williams’ impact became undeniable. The Mavericks lacked a downhill, attacking guard capable of consistently breaking down defenses, and he filled that void. As a result, he became a fixture in the rotation, making spot starts and averaging over 20 minutes per game in each full month of the season.

Williams' price-point has increased drastically

However, the Mavericks are well aware of what happens when an unheralded player breaks out after flying under the radar — he gets paid. Williams is due for a sizable payday. While he may not command a deal as rich as the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (roughly $15 million annually), he could come close.

Comparable players like Tre Jones and Davion Mitchell each signed $24 million deals last offseason: Jones over three years and Mitchell over two. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for the 26-year-old to command somewhere in the $8–12 million annual range.

A crowded backcourt clouds Williams' future in Dallas

That reality raises an important question: Is that a price Dallas is willing to pay? The Mavericks are currently thin at guard, but Kyrie Irving is expected back next season, and the front office could also target a top point guard prospect in the NBA Draft.

That likely means Irving and a potential top-10 pick would take priority, with undrafted rookie standout Ryan Nembhard also under contract if the Mavericks pick up his $2.1 million team option. The backcourt picture is further crowded by 21-year-old AJ Johnson, a former first-round pick who remains under contract for two more seasons.

It might not be in Dallas’ best interest to retain Williams, especially at a price point in the $8–12 million range if the guard rotation becomes crowded. Instead, prioritizing shooting could be the better path forward, as the Mavericks’ lack of spacing has been evident this season. That’s not necessarily an area where Williams excels, given his 28.7 percent career mark from 3-point range.

Still, no matter what Dallas decides, the reality of potentially losing Williams, a homegrown talent, would be gut-wrenching. Even if he doesn’t fit into the Mavericks’ long-term plans, he has been an invaluable contributor who helped bridge the gap in the post-Dončić era.