Dallas Mavericks are inches away from making costly mistake in free agency

The Dallas Mavericks are almost complete with their roster after losing the 2024 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics.

Despite losing Derrick Jones Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Mavs have added Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and Klay Thompson. However, the team still has one more roster spot available.

One Dallas veteran, who is a fan favorite and locker room leader, is one free agent the team could re-sign. However, it might be a risky decision to give him a contract to occupy the 15th roster spot.

Mavericks re-signing Markieff Morris would be a costly mistake

That veteran who is a free agent is Markieff Morris. The fan favorite was traded to Dallas in 2023 from Brooklyn, where he was quickly loved. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and still hasn't been signed and Dallas is in a tough position whether to sign him back.

For the Mavs, it may be better for them not to re-sign Morris and look to sign another free agent. Morris only played in 26 games last season and mostly played during garbage time.

With that amount of games played, the roster spot would be wasted when it comes to production on the floor. The Mavs already have a veteran presence in the locker room with Dwight Powell, and having two veteran leaders who are both unplayable may be a risky move for the Mavs.

The Mavs would be better off signing a player who is ready to play and can play immediately. In particular, a guard to strengthen the backcourt would help the team.

One player the Mavs could add is Malachi Flynn. The Mavs are rumored to be interested in the 26-year-old guard. Flynn would come into Dallas and show he's close to reaching his full potential. Flynn was also teammates with Grimes in Detroit, so the two could be close in Dallas.

Another player the Mavs could fill the 15th roster spot with is former Maverick Spencer Dinwiddie. In the case for Dinwiddie, he has previously shown he's capable of playing well alongside Luka Doncic, and has playoff experience with the Mavericks. Rumors of Dinwiddie coming back to Dallas did occur at the start of free agency.

As much as Morris is loved by the Mavs fans, front office, and players, it wouldn't be a bigger risk than most people realize for the Mavs to bring Morris back as he would barely play. It would make more sense for the Mavs to sign a player who can play and contribute to winning quickly as they try to return to the NBA Finals next season.

All signs are pointing to the Mavs re-signing Morris, and it's been reported that Dallas wants to bring him back, and only time will tell what Dallas decides to do.