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

Free agent Dallas Mavericks should target in 2023: 3. Dennis Smith Jr.

DSJ wanted to sign with the Mavericks last summer as a free agent. The 6’2 guard was drafted by Dallas ninth overall in 2017, and he was traded to New York in the original Kristaps Porzingis trade back in 2019. Smith Jr. has struggled to find a consistent role since, but he had plenty of success with the Charlotte Hornets this season.

The 25-year-old point guard is averaging 8.5 points, 4.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 25.2 minutes per game. He struggles to hit shots and there are still defensive questions, but Dallas needs a third point guard next season for whenever Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving is forced to miss time. Smith Jr. would be a quality ball-handler and playmaker on the bench that would not have to be part of the nightly rotation.

DSJ will be searching for another contract this offseason. Was his one season in Charlotte good enough to land him another gig? Does he stick with the Hornets to back up LaMelo Ball? Smith Jr. will have interest in returning to Dallas, but will the Mavericks make it mutual? DSJ is an interesting low-cost option at point guard.

The Dallas Mavericks could be interested in another reunion this summer as well.