5 Bold predictions for the Dallas Mavericks’ offseason

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a massive offseason. They must improve the roster around Luka Doncic after missing the playoffs. Number 77 is one of the best players in the world, but the talent around him simply was not good enough. If it does not improve, the franchise’s fears of Doncic requesting a trade could become a reality.

Atop the to-do list is re-signing Kyrie Irving. The Mavs acquired the eight-time All-Star in February to be Luka’s co-star. They paid a hefty price, but things did not work as planned. Dallas lost 18 of their final 25 games to close the season, including tanking their final two games to keep the tenth pick in the draft.

It is a crucial offseason for the Mavs, and they are one of several teams that feels the pressure to improve their roster around a star talent. That could create plenty of chaos, but what will happen in Dallas?

5 bold predictions for what the Dallas Mavericks might do in the 2023 offseason

5. JaVale McGee and Davis Bertans remain on the roster

The Mavs are rumored to be shopping the tenth pick, and they want to pair it with a veteran on their roster to bring back some win-now help. Dallas would love to move off of Davis Bertans or JaVale McGee in that trade, but other teams are unlikely to have interest.

Bertans played 492 minutes last season but was the team’s fourth-highest-paid player. He is set to make $17 million next season with $5 million guaranteed for the 2024-25 campaign. The 6’10 forward is a lights-out shooter, but his defense makes it difficult to keep him on the floor. Even rebuilding teams will be hesitant to take on his salary.

JaVale McGee was signed to be the Mavericks' starting center, but the experiment lasted just seven games before he was moved to the bench and quickly dumped from the rotation entirely. McGee has two years and $11.7 million left on his contract. Some teams may value the veteran as a third-string center, but they won’t be eager to take on his salary.

Both players remain on the Dallas Mavericks next season, but the team does find a trade for the tenth overall pick.