Best guards Dallas Mavericks could target in free agency if Jalen Brunson leaves

Best unrestricted free agents Dallas Mavericks could target to replace Jalen Brunson

The free-agent point guard class is not a robust group this summer. It could get more interesting if James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Russell Westbrook decline their player options, but the Mavs cannot sign those players.

The top options in their price range would be Tyus Jones, Dennis Schroder, Rajon Rondo, Austin Rivers, and Elfrid Payton. All five could slot in as the team’s third point guard behind Spencer Dinwiddie, and play 20-25 minutes per game off the bench.

Jones is the most appealing option, but the Grizzlies have his Bird Rights and want to keep him. They will certainly be offering more than the taxpayer mid-level, and Jones has no reason to come to Dallas on a discount.

The other four options all have warts that would force the Mavericks to hesitate before signing. Rondo is not a fan favorite and is 36 years old. Schroder was traded to the Rockets at the deadline because the Celtics wanted to improve their defense. Rivers is not a true point guard, and Payton cannot shoot, but those would be the best available options on the market given what Dallas has to spend.

The Mavericks would have one other option to replace Jalen Brunson if he departs in free agency, but it wouldn’t come cheap.