5 way too early Dallas Mavericks free agent targets for the summer of 2023

The Dallas Mavericks have a crucial offseason ahead that was made even more important after the Kyrie Irving trade. The first order of business is convincing the eight-time All-Star to stay in Dallas. Kyrie will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and free to sign with any team. The Mavericks traded for his Bird Rights, so they are in the driver’s seat to re-sign him, but there will be competition.

No matter what Irving decides, Dallas wants to build a championship contender around Luka Doncic. The 24-year-old superstar is leading the league in scoring and is already one of the best players on the planet, but the Mavericks need more talent around him to win in the playoffs. Ideally, Dallas keeps Kyrie and adds pieces this summer to round out their roster.

With two max contracts on the books, the Mavs will not have cap space to add marquee free agents this summer. They will have two first-round picks available to trade, the mid-level and bi-annual exceptions, and minimum contracts to hand out. Dallas only has eight players under contract for next season, so they will have to sign some free agents, and here are five soon-to-be options the Mavericks should target.

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target in 2023: 5. Torrey Craig

The Mavs currently sit 25th in defensive rating for the season, and their defense got worse instead of better after the trade. They had to send their best perimeter defender, Dorian Finney-Smith, to the Nets to make the deal possible, and Dallas did not replace him. Finding at least two 3-and-D wings will be a priority this summer, especially if Kyrie Irving stays in Dallas.

Craig is not a game-changer, but the 6’7 wing is shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range this season. He will provide quality minutes off the bench and can guard multiple positions. Craig is best suited for a 20 to 25 minutes per game role where he can fit into a defensive scheme and knock down open shots.

The Dallas Mavericks are going to have to spend wisely in free agency, and Torrey Craig is likely a cheap wing option that can provide much-needed depth.