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?

Dallas Mavericks' outgoing free agents

Kyrie Irving is the headliner, but the Mavs have eight soon-to-be free agents, including McKinley Wright IV, who was on a two-way contract last season. Here is a list of their players about to hit the open market as unrestricted free agents.

• Kyrie Irving

• Dwight Powell

• Christian Wood

• Justin Holiday

• Markieff Morris

• Theo Pinson

• Frank Ntilikina

Beyond that, Wright IV is a restricted free agent meaning the Mavs have the right to match any offer that he receives on the open market.

Who will the Mavericks bring back? Re-signing Kyrie is the team’s top priority, which should come as no surprise after Dallas paid such a hefty price to acquire him. The Mavs also have an interest in bringing back Dwight Powell.

Christian Wood is almost certain to exit after his failed one-year in Dallas. The 6’10 forward has never reached the playoffs, and he wanted additional playing time. Expect him to find a new home this summer.

If Dallas re-signs Kyrie, they will not have cap space to improve their roster. That means filling things out using their roster exceptions or minimum contracts in free agency. The Mavericks will also look to upgrade their roster via trade, but who could they acquire?

Dallas Mavericks trade targets

This will be the Mavs' primary avenue for improving their roster. They have the tenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft that the franchise is prepared to trade for win-now help. What will the draft pick net Dallas? Will it be enough to put the Mavericks back into contention?

Rumors suggest that the team’s top two targets are Khris Middleton and Deandre Ayton. The Suns are looking to move on from the former number-one overall pick as they try to improve their depth around Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Middleton is a free agent this summer, and coming off a disappointing and injury-riddled season in Milwaukee.

The Dallas Mavericks will have interest in defensive-minded wings and starting centers. Any that are made available, the Mavs should be calling about. Their list of trade targets is unlimited, but here are a few names that are expected to be available.

• Khris Middleton (free agent)

• Deandre Ayton

• Jarrett Allen

• OG Anunoby

• Dorian Finney-Smith

• Royce O’Neale

• Jarrett Allen

• Myles Turner

• Mitchell Robinson

• Jonas Valanciunas

Other names could emerge as things on the trade market can change quickly. The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on June 22, so fans will not have to long for the Dallas Mavericks to make a significant splash on the trade market.

The Mavs must upgrade their roster, so they will be looking to add some talent in free agency too.

Dallas Mavericks free agent targets

The Mavs' top free agent target is Kyrie Irving. They have to re-sign the eight-time All-Star or it will be difficult to replace him. Dallas would have some cap space, but not enough to offer a max contract. The Mavericks would be shopping in the $25 million per season range, which would make it difficult to find another All-Star.

Beyond Kyrie, here are some names that Dallas should be targeting this summer on the free-agent market.

• Khris Middleton (Player option)

• Jerami Grant

• Naz Reid

• Kevin Love

• Dillon Brooks

• Will Barton

• Mason Plumlee

• Gabe Vincent

• Max Strus

• Torrey Craig

• Jeff Green

• Jevon Carter

• Patrick Beverley

• Thomas Bryant

• Boban Marjanovic

It is not the most star-studded free agent class, and the Dallas Mavericks will likely be shopping for minimum contracts to round out their roster. They must spend on veterans that can help their team. Those players do not need to be part of the nightly rotation, but they can offer production when needed and a strong locker presence.

The draft is the other way to add talent, and the Mavericks could use it to make a splash this summer. Dallas has the tenth overall pick and options on how to use it.

Dallas Mavericks NBA Draft targets

Will the Mavs keep the tenth pick? They are shopping it, but will Dallas find a suitable deal that helps them improve their roster enough? The franchise has options. They could trade it for win-now help, make the selection, or trade back a few spots and pick up an extra asset. Dallas may also attempt to buy their way back into the second round.

Here are some names they could be targeting in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

• Taylor Hendricks

• Jarace Walker

• Anthony Black

• Cason Wallace

• Jalen Hood-Schifino

• Dereck Lively II

• Leonard Miller

• Rayan Rupert

• Maxwell Lewis

• Colby Jones

Will the Mavericks make a selection? They would love to add a young talent with room to grow, but finding playing time to develop them can be tricky as Dallas attempts to contend. June 22 will be a massive day for the Mavs, and it could alter the history of the franchise forever.

The Dallas Mavericks must improve the talent around Luka Doncic. They should be looking for players that complement his skill set. The Mavs want shooters that can space the floor, a strong pick and roll partner, and defense. If they do not upgrade their defense, Dallas will be right back in the lottery next summer.

What will the Mavericks accomplish this offseason? Is it enough to get them back into contention? Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, rumors, and analysis as things heat up this summer.