Mavericks 2023 offseason primer: Targets, outgoing free agents, trades and more

The Dallas Mavericks are about to start arguably the most important offseason in franchise history. They are fresh off missing the playoffs for the first time since Luka Doncic’s rookie season, and the roster around their 24-year-old superstar must improve.

This year, things start with Kyrie Irving. The Mavs gave up two starters, one first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders for the eight-time All-Star in February to be Luka’s co-star. The trade further unbalanced their roster and was behind Dallas losing 18 of their final 25 games to miss the postseason entirely. Now, Irving heads into free agency, and there are no guarantees that he returns to Dallas.

The Mavericks must build up the roster around Luka or they risk losing their superstar. It will be a massive summer for the franchise, but what must happen?

Dallas Mavericks' needs to address in the 2023 offseason

Dallas reached the conference finals in 2022 on the back of their defense, and they must get back to playing well on that end of the floor. The Mavericks need to improve their perimeter defense, rebounding, rim protection, size, and depth. They should be focused on adding wing depth and help in the frontcourt. Dallas needs to upgrade their starters on the wing and add a capable starting center to anchor their defense.

The Mavericks finished 25th in defensive rating, 30th in rebound percentage, and 24th in opponent field goal percentage last season. They allowed too many easy shots at the rim, and Dallas struggled to get rebounds to end possessions.

The Dallas Mavericks must be better next season, and it starts with putting more talent around Luka Doncic. Who will they target?