Why Dallas Mavericks were not part of the latest rumors and what it means

The Dallas Mavericks were not mentioned in Marc Stein’s latest rumors column (subscription required), and they have not been part of any of the rumblings in recent weeks.

The Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell sagas have drug out the offseason. Usually, things are quiet for the final month before training camp, but not this year. Fans are still waiting for a Mitchell trade and the reactionary moves made from it. Any time a superstar changes teams it has a ripple effect across the league, and this one will be no different.

Why were the Mavericks not mentioned with the Jazz, Lakers, Nets, and others in the latest rumors? There are two clear reasons and one hypothetical that the Mavs are hoping to play out. Here is a look at the latest.

Why the Dallas Mavericks were not part of the latest rumors and what it means

The Mavs were not part of the latest rumors because they feel like their roster is set heading into training camp. They may add another exhibit 10 contract or two to round their camp roster, but Dallas likes what they have.

Owner Mark Cuban made it clear that the team plans to leave their final roster spot open to improve their in-season flexibility. The Mavericks are also over the luxury tax, and they do not believe there is an acquirable game-changing free agent left on the market.

Dallas also does not feel the pressure to be all-in. The Lakers just got a two-year commitment from LeBron James, and they appear willing to move every asset they have to build a title contender around the 37-year-old. Expect the Lakers to put both of their tradeable first-round picks on the table as they try to add role players before training camp starts.

Luka Doncic is just starting an extension, and the Mavericks see the potential of having all their first-round picks next summer. They owe their 2023 first to the Knicks from the original Kristaps Porzingis trade with a top-ten protection. The Mavs expect to be back in the playoffs and for the selection to convert. That will leave Dallas with a full cupboard of their picks after next summer’s draft.

It will put them back in the running to acquire a superstar. Can the Dallas Mavericks wait? It will depend on what the roster looks like at the trade deadline, and how the team feels about its chances of winning the championship.

The Mavs traded for Christian Wood this offseason. That was their significant move. Will they pull off another before the trade deadline or wait until the 2023 offseason? Stay tuned to find out.