Top 5 free agents for Dallas Mavericks to target after Jalen Brunson news

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to improve on their Western Conference Finals finish next season. With the news of Jalen Brunson likely leaving the Mavericks in free agency to join the New York Knicks, Dallas now has to pivot and look at replacements for him as well.

Here are 5 potential replacements that the Mavericks could sign to alleviate the pain of losing Brunson in free agency.

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target: 5. Tyus Jones 

Jones averaged 12.7 points per game as a starter and could allow Luka Doncic to rest throughout the game. The 6'0 point guard is a dynamic creator with a 35.2 percent career 3-point percentage.

The only issue in trying to sign Jones is Memphis is likely to overpay him to be Ja Morant’s backup.

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target: 4. Mo Bamba

Mo Bamba became an unrestricted free agent after the Magic failed to tender him a qualifying offer. He would be an outstanding starting center, and he could play next to Christian Wood in the Mavs frontcourt.

Bamba averaged almost a double-double per game with the Magic. Dallas offers him a chance to catch lobs from Luka Doncic, but he would have to accept the taxpayer mid-level exception.

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target: 3. Isiah Hertenstein

Hartenstein is another seven-footer that the Mavericks could sign in free agency. He averaged 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game with the Clippers last season.

Christian Wood is not going to be playing 38 minutes per game, so why not sign Hartenstein on a three-year deal to be the team's backup center? It would be an amazing move that would considerably improve the Mavs depth and bench.

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target: 2. Jusuf Nurkic

Nurkic would be another outstanding center option. Right now, he is expected to re-sign with the Blazers, but that could change if he gets a better offer elsewhere. He averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game last year in Portland.

Expect Luka Doncic to be part of the pitch if Dallas tries to sign Nurkic as the the two are friends off the court.

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target: 1. Bradley Beal

If Jalen Brunson does leave the Dallas Mavericks during free agency, Nico Harrison needs to make a power move to show Mavericks fans he means business. That move would be to try and go after Bradley Beal, who opted out of his contract and became an unrestricted free agent. 

He is likely to re-sign with the Wizards in part because he can get the most money from Washington. However, Beal is getting up there in age and currently doesn't have an NBA title. Could Nico and Cuban entice him to make a change of scenery for less money? He would be a huge shockwave signing if the Mavericks could steal him away from Washington.

These five free agents could really add some value to the Mavericks if they lose out on re-signing Jalen Brunson. Like many owners have said, Dallas is only a couple of pieces away from getting back to the NBA Finals. One of these players could easily help the Mavericks take that next step.