5 Dream, 5 reach, 5 realistic free agents for Mavericks to target after draft

NBA free agency is only a couple of days away, and the Dallas Mavericks have the opportunity to get better this summer after making it all the way to the 2024 NBA Finals last season.

Dallas' magical postseason run ended against the Boston Celtics in the Finals, but there is so much to be excited about if you're a Mavs fan.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are undoubtedly one of the league's best duos, and Nico Harrison has done a great job of putting complimentary players around them.

5 Dream, 5 reach, 5 realistic free agents for Mavericks to target after draft

Doncic and Irving are silencing the doubters who said they wouldn't work together, and Harrison is searching for ways to make this team better through free agency and the trade market.

It's overwhelmingly clear that both Dallas and Tim Hardaway Jr. want to part ways following a strugglesome season that involved frustration about his role, and Quentin Grimes of the Detroit Pistons is a rumored trade target Dallas could get in exchange for Hardaway Jr.

There have also been a handful of rumors regarding the Mavs' free agency plans, and the next few weeks are going to be filled with news for Mavs fans.

Here are five dream, five reach, and five realistic trade targets for the Mavs to target this summer.

15. Dream - LeBron James

While all signs are pointing to LeBron James re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and likely finishing his career there, Dallas Mavericks fans have been dreaming about the opportunity of James playing in Dallas next to Doncic and Irving.

Although Dallas could have likely increased their chances of luring James to Dallas by drafting his son Bronny James, who they were linked to ahead of the draft, there is still hope the Mavs could pull off some magic and bring King James to Big D.

LeBron is a unanimous top-two player of all time, and he is one of the smartest players to ever play the game. Despite being 39 years old, LeBron is still a top player in the league and has aged like fine wine over the last couple of years.

LeBron is showing no signs of slowing down, and if the Mavs could pull off a sign and trade to make LeBron a Maverick, they would form the greatest big three of all time with Doncic, Irving, and LeBron at the helm.

Dallas signing LeBron is extremely unlikely at this juncture, but there are breadcrumbs that lead to an Irving and LeBron reunion with the Mavericks. Irving tried to recruit LeBron to the Mavs last summer, and signing with Dallas would give him a legit shot at winning another ring.

14. Reach - Kelly Oubre Jr.

Last summer, the Dallas Mavericks were interested in signing Kelly Oubre Jr. following him having a great season with the Charlotte Hornets. There were doubts about Oubre Jr. being able to string together another good season if a good team signed him considering how bad Charlotte was, but Oubre Jr. proved he can still put up big numbers on a contender as he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Last season for Philly, Oubre Jr. averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from downtown. Oubre Jr. made anyone who doubted him look foolish, and this summer may be the perfect chance for the Mavs to consider signing him.

Signing Oubre Jr. would be extremely challenging if the Mavs re-sign Derrick Jones Jr., but if they don't, he could become a realistic target rather than a reach. He would give the Mavs a new third scorer next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who can score off the dribble or off the catch, and he can defend some in space too contrary to popular belief.

Oubre Jr. would be nowhere close to the type of defender Jones Jr. was for Dallas, but his scoring should intrigue the Mavs. Dallas clearly needed a third scorer during the playoffs, and Oubre Jr. would have the opportunity to become that.

13. Realistic - Spencer Dinwiddie

Dallas Mavericks fans went through a whirlwind of emotions around the time of the 2024 NBA trade deadline. Dallas had traded for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, two players who gave them the boost they needed to make the NBA Finals, but they also had the opportunity to get better just a couple of days later.

Due to Dallas trading away more players than they brought in, an open roster spot was created. This meant that the Mavs had the chance to bring in another player to help them with their championship push over the following months.

Spencer Dinwiddie was bought out, and the Mavs were immediately rumored as a destination for him. Dinwiddie would later decide between the Mavs and the Los Angeles Lakers, and although he chose Los Angeles last season, the Mavs should consider bringing in Dinwiddie this summer.

Last season for the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, Dinwiddie averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 39.2 percent from the field and 33.7 percent from downtown. Dinwiddie isn't the same player he once was, but the Mavs should consider signing him.

He would be their third creator and scorer outside of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and he already has a level of familiarity with the organization. Dinwiddie would have to earn the trust of Mavs fans back following the controversial comments he made last season regarding why he chose the Lakers over the Mavs, and signing with the Mavs this summer would be the perfect way to do that.

12. Dream - Obi Toppin

Obi Toppin will be a restricted free agent with the Indiana Pacers this summer, and although something absolutely insane would have to happen to get him to the Dallas Mavericks, he'd still be a fun free agency target for them to pursue.

Last season for the Pacers, Toppin averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 57.3 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from downtown. Toppin has gone from a player who was just known for his dunks into an elite stretch four, and he'd be a perfect fit in Dallas if they were to move Maxi Kleber.

Kleber had some great moments during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, but he also had other moments in which he looked unplayable. He is someone who has played heavy minutes over the years for Dallas as a stretch five, and although Toppin can't defend as well as Kleber, he'd be a. younger upgrade from him.

Toppin would give the Mavs a stretch four who can defend some, knock down open shots, and finish above the rim, and him getting traded to Dallas would turn Big D into lob city. Luka Doncic thrives with high flyers like Toppin, and he'd be getting his fair share of highlight-reel plays playing alongside Doncic.

Toppin is only 26 years old, and he'd fit great in Dallas' young core.

11. Reach - Buddy Hield

The Dallas Mavericks are seemingly always linked to Buddy Hield, and although they've never followed through and signed or traded for Hield, maybe they'll finally do so this summer. Hield's value isn't as high as it once was, and the Mavs would finally land a sharpshooter if they go out and sign him during his unrestricted free agency.

Last season for the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, Hield averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from downtown.

Hield's role fluctuated for the Sixers during the playoffs, with this fit being questionable at times, and he'd likely be happy to sign with Dallas. He has a house in Dallas, and a fresh start while playing in a city he loves would help both sides.

If Dallas were to sign Hield, they'd be landing a shooter who has been elite in this area ever since he stepped into the league. The Mavs lacked a true shooter on their roster last season, and someone like Hield would get plenty of looks playing next to Luka Doncic.

Dallas showed interest in a trade for Hield last offseason, and now they have the opportunity to sign him outright rather than pursuing a trade for him. The Mavs will be limited in what they can offer him, but maybe the stars will align and Hield will become a Maverick.

10. Realistic - Dennis Smith Jr.

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks back in the 2018-19 season, a fan-favorite player departed way too early. The Mavs had to send second-year guard Dennis Smith Jr. to New York as part of this deal, and no one ever got to experience the potential that he and Luka Doncic could have had together as a duo.

Doncic and Smith Jr. were close friends, and after bouncing around the league for the last couple of years, it's time for Smith Jr. to return to the Mavs. Smith Jr. has turned into one of the best and most underrated guard defenders in the NBA over the last couple of seasons, and the Mavs should consider signing him to be their point guard off the bench.

Last season for the Nets, Smith Jr. averaged 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from downtown. Smith Jr. isn't the type of player who is going to light it up from downtown, but his growing playmaking and defense are extremely intriguing.

Smith Jr. has the potential to be an elite defender off the bench for the Mavs, and he would have a significant role if Dallas took a chance on him and signed him. They could also likely do it for a good price.

9. Dream - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is one of the top available shooting guards this summer, and he has the ability to be an elite role player on any playoff team. Caldwell-Pope has been excellent for the Denver Nuggets for a long time, and he has gone from an unnoticed player in Detroit to an indispensable piece for a championship team.

Last season for Denver, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from downtown. He has been a huge piece for Denver and their success over the years, and he is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Dallas Mavericks would become considerably better if they could somehow land Caldwell-Pope to be a 3-and-D wing for them, and although it's unlikely, it would be an interesting fit. Dallas could play Caldwell-Pope alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

With Doncic and Irving on the floor, Caldwell-Pope would play the three on offense but can guard multiple positions, and he'd be an excellent option for Doncic and Irving to find on the perimeter. He is limited offensively, but the Mavs wouldn't need him to do too much.

Hit open shots, play hard-nosed defense, and bring energy.

Getting Caldwell-Pope to Dallas would be nearly impossible, but it'd be a fun move.

8. Reach - Tobias Harris

The Dallas Mavericks have already been linked to Tobias Harris this offseason, and although the route to get him would be nearly impossible, he'd be an interesting fit and immediately turn into the third scorer the Mavs need.

Although there is some pushback from Mavs fans regarding them pursuing Harris, he would immediately fill a need the Mavs need. They don't have a single player who can take over and consistently go get buckets outside of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and Harris is more than capable of that.

The Mavs were targeting a forward who can handle the ball at the trade deadline last season, and Harris can bring the ball up when needed and create his own shot. He can light up the scoreboard and score in bunches, and he can thrive off the ball when needed. Harris can also be a secondary playmaker in spurts, and his size and shooting combined with this should excite Mavs fans.

Harris doesn't always need the ball in his hands to thrive, and he would get tons of open shots while playing next to Doncic and Irving.

Harris also has stayed healthy for a large majority of his career, and the Mavs need someone they can rely on to play 70+ games every season. Irving and Doncic have had injury concerns in the past, and having another star who is typically always healthy would be huge.

7. Realistic - Markieff Morris

The Dallas Mavericks have an extremely tough decision this summer with veteran forward Markieff Morris. Dallas signed him to a one-year deal last summer after acquiring him in the Kyrie Irving trade, and although he didn't play much this past season, he made his impact felt off the floor and from the bench.

Morris emerged as a huge leader in the locker room, and all of his teammates and coaches have harped about how great he is as a teammate. Jason Kidd even named Morris as the team's MVP from last season, and now he's an unrestricted free agent.

The Mavs can either re-sign Morris, knowing he can't play real minutes, or they can let him walk and use his roster spot for someone who can play within the rotation. This won't be an easy choice for Dallas.

Finding rotation players for veteran minimum contracts is a challenge, but Morris may bring enough value off the floor to make the Mavs want to keep him. Every team needs a locker room leader and a vibes guy like Morris, and if I had to guess, I'm sure Morris would be thrilled to be back with the Mavs.

He is the definition of a class act, but the Mavs' stance on whether they want to re-sign him or let him walk is unknown at this juncture. Knowingly having an unplayable player on your roster is hard, but Morris coming back to Dallas just feels right.

6. Dream - Derrick Jones Jr.

Last summer, the Dallas Mavericks made an underrated move as they signed Derrick Jones Jr. to a one-year deal, and by the end of the season, he was the starting wing and one of the best defenders on the team.

Last season, Jones Jr. averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from downtown. His improvements as a shooter during the playoffs helped the Mavs tremendously, and he was a huge piece for them.

His 3-point percentage rose to 36.9 percent during the playoffs, and his defense was phenomenal. He takes pride in guarding the other team's best player, and he accepts any role that Jason Kidd gives him.

Re-signing Jones Jr. is a priority for Dallas, and he wants to come back as well, and him returning is a move the Mavs have to get done. He was extremely valuable for the Mavs down the stretch, and he is a perfect fit in Dallas.

It would be in Dallas' best interest to sign or trade for a different wing to start over Jones Jr. who can contribute more offensively, but Jones Jr. returning to the Mavs is a dream for fans.

Jones Jr. isn't one to create his own shot, but he can knock down open shots and finish above the rim with ease.

5. Reach - Bruce Brown

Before NBA free agency started last summer, the Dallas Mavericks were among those interested in Bruce Brown, who had just won the NBA Finals with the Denver Nuggets. Brown was a key piece for Denver as he averaged 12 points per game in the playoffs along with one steal, and he was a coveted piece on the trade market.

Brown signed with the Indiana Pacers, and during the season he was traded to the Toronto Raptors. Although the Raptors are expected to pick up their team option this summer for Brown, there is still an extremely slim chance that he will become a free agent if the Raptors were going to turn down their team option.

Regardless of if he becomes a free agent, Brown is someone who would be an outstanding fit in Dallas. He can guard multiple positions, knock down open shots, and is a winner. Brown knows what it takes to win on the biggest stage, and he has been accepting of whatever role has been assigned to him.

There would have to be tons of moving parts for Dallas to land Brown, and although it seems extremely unlikely, Brown could be a big impact player in Dallas. If Toronto picks up their team option, it seems much more unlikely that Dallas can acquire him.

4. Realistic - Naji Marshall

The Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 priority this summer remains re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. Jones Jr. balled out on his one-year veteran minimum contract with Dallas last season, and he turned into a key piece of the team.

He was starting on the wing for the Mavs and turned into the best defender on the team, but there has also been a rumored backup option if Jones Jr. doesn't come back. Although all signs are currently pointing to Jones Jr. being a Maverick, as he wants to return as much as Dallas wants him back, all possibilities must be considered.

One potential backup option for the Mavs if they fail to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. is Naji Marshall, and he'd be an interesting player to bring off the bench in Dallas.

Last season for the New Orleans Pelicans, Marshall averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 38.7 percent from downtown, and he'd be someone who brings energy just like Jones Jr. does.

Marshall knocks down open shots and plays hard-nosed defense, but he isn't as good of a point-of-attack defender as Jones Jr. Despite both being solid defenders and hard workers, it would hurt to lose Jones Jr. just to sign Marshall.

Continuity is important, and keeping a key piece from the team that took Dallas to the Finals is vital.

3. Dream - Paul George

Although it seems like Paul George is going to opt into his contract with the LA Clippers and then get traded elsewhere, but regardless, George would be a monster for the Dallas Mavericks.

Former Mavericks guards Theo Pinson and Raymond Felton suggested Dallas should make this move, and if they found a way to land George, they'd have one of the best big threes of all time with George, Kyrie Irving, and Luka Doncic.

Last season for LA, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from downtown. George would be elite off the ball and with the ball in his hands playing next to Doncic and Irving, and he is the perfect player to pair with them.

Landing George would be a dream come true for Mavs fans, but getting him here would be a huge challenge. Dallas doesn't have the money to sign him outright, and him coming here in a trade is a pipe dream, but this team would be unbelievable with him on the roster.

It seems probable that he will end up with the Philadelphia 76ers, and if that happens, Mavs fans should be grateful they only have to play him twice a year. Whenever George is healthy and playing with confidence, he is a monster.

2. Reach - Russell Westbrook

The Dallas Mavericks' need for a third ball handler during the playoffs was clear as day following the downfall of Dante Exum, and they have to find someone who can play reliable minutes in the playoffs and create for those around him.

Although he became a villain for Mavs fans in the 2024 NBA Playoffs as he was involved in a scuffle with Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington, Russell Westbrook is someone they should at least consider.

Last season for the LA Clippers, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from downtown. Westbrook is a one-time MVP, a nine-time All-Star, and an all-time great, and he could be what the Mavs need.

Although his emotions often get the best of him, as Mavs fans saw in the playoffs, Westbrook is a fierce competitor and works extremely hard. He gives his all on both ends of the floor, and he plays at a 110 percent pace all the time.

Westbrook is a liability as a shooter, but he is a great finisher and a ball of energy on both ends. Signing Westbrook would give the Mavs a guaranteed third ball handler, and they could likely sign him for a good price.

Westbrook is way past his prime, but he'd be a fun guard off the bench in Dallas.

1. Realistic - Patrick Beverley

Having another guard off the bench could be a priority for the Dallas Mavericks this summer, and ideally, they need someone who can play in big moments, has plenty of experience, and fits Dallas' culture.

Patrick Beverley is someone who has spoken highly of Luka Doncic in the past, and he could be a solid veteran option for Dallas to target. Although he may not get a ton of run if signed by the Mavs, Beverley would bring defense, toughness, and some facilitating.

Last season, Beverley averaged 6.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 33.7 percent from downtown. He isn't the same player he was when he was making All-Defensive teams playing for the Houston Rockets, but he may have a little something left in the tank.

Beverley can still knock down open shots and run the offense when needed, and his energy is amazing. He never gives up on a play, and he is going to give his all, regardless of the situation.

The Mavs will likely be near the top of the Western Conference again next year, but like any other team, they have plenty of work to do to ensure that.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks throughout free agency, stay tuned.