12 Free agents Dallas Mavericks must pursue after Klay Thompson signing

The Dallas Mavericks just made one of the splashiest moves of the 2024 offseason, bringing in legendary sharpshooter Klay Thompson on a three-year, $50 million deal.

It was quite a coup, considering they had strong competition for the four-time champion's services, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

The front office proved its savviness by essentially swapping Tim Hardaway Jr., Derrick Jones Jr., and Josh Green for Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes without having to give up a first-round pick.

12 Free agents Dallas Mavericks must pursue after Klay Thompson signing

With the new additions, the Mavs' starting lineup looks set with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Thompson, P.J. Washington, and probably Dereck Lively II. Expected to be part of the rotation are Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, Grimes, Marshall, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Daniel Gafford.

Dallas is likely not yet done tweaking the roster, as the team still has to address some holes. The Mavs' heartbreaking loss to the Boston Celtics in the Finals showed that they need another guy who could create shots for himself or a microwave scorer off the bench to carry some of the offensive load from Doncic and Irving. Moreover, their defense could also use some reinforcement.

Fortunately, some options are available in the free agent market for Dallas, including the following.

12. Boban Marjanovic

The Mavs already have several centers at their disposal. Aside from Lively II and Gafford, they could also slot in Maxi Kleber or Dwight Powell at the five. But the team can still probably have use for one more, especially if it's Boban Marjanovic.

The Serbian suited up for the Houston Rockets last season, although he has yet to ink a deal for the 2024-25 campaign. Perhaps a reunion with Dallas and his good friend Doncic is in the near future.

Such a move wouldn't afford him playing time, but that is probably the farthest thing on his mind at this point in his career. Creating some funny moments with his Balkan buddy could be his contribution to the organization, as it may benefit the squad's chemistry.

11. Daniel Theis

The Dallas Mavericks' big man rotation is likely set. But in an NBA era that has seen premier centers take centerstage, having another rim protector wouldn't be too bad. And Daniel Theis looks like a great fit with the Mavs because of his defensive IQ and mobility.

At 32 years old, the German veteran isn't probably looking to play many minutes, and his value to Dallas would be based more on his ability to play in spots, particularly when Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are injured or dealing with foul trouble. That scenario took place last season when the rookie sustained a nasty injury during a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, and while Gafford was still suiting up for the Washington Wizards.

Theis' stats don't really show his defensive prowess, as his career averages are 4.8 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. However, the eye test has displayed his capability of anchoring the defense.

Another reason the Mavs should pursue the journeyman is his improved outside shot. He has converted just 33.1 percent of his 3-pointers over his career, although last campaign saw him sink 37.1% of such shots. That's what Dallas sometimes needs from its big men to give Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving space to operate with the ball.

The franchise might have some competition for Theis' services, though.

However, it could have an advantage if it decides to chase after the center in the form of Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, who has served as his inspiration.

10. Robert Covington

There was a time when Robert Covington was deemed one of the most elite 3-and-D role players in the NBA. During his peak, it was common to see him average at least 2.0 3-pointers and a combined 3.0 steals and blocks per game.

Evidently, he is way past his peak, and folks shouldn't expect him to get back to that level of production again. But at 33 years old, Covington showed last season with the Philadelphia 76ers that he could still defend at a respectable level, which could fill a need for the Dallas Mavericks. He also shot well from beyond the arc, draining 1.5 3-pointers per 36 minutes at a 35.4% shooting clip.

The Mavs reportedly tried to trade for "RoCo" several years ago, but they have the opportunity to finally land him this time, as he is an unrestricted free agent. Philadelphia might look to bring him back, though, as he is one of the veterans Paul George possibly wants to be teammates with again.

One of the knocks on Covington has been his health issues. However, that wouldn't be that much of a problem with Dallas, as he certainly wouldn't be asked to play heavy minutes. You can never have too many 3-and-D players in the NBA, and Covington could help Dallas if they were to sign him.

9. Jeff Green

As it stands, Klay Thompson is set to be the oldest player on the Dallas Mavericks. However, the former Golden State Warriors' disgruntled star isn't exactly known for his leadership, as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green took on that role for the Warriors.

So, the Mavs might want to look for a veteran who has displayed leadership skills through his career, such as Jeff Green.

The 15-year pro was instrumental in the development of the Houston Rockets' youngsters last season while also providing the squad with capable two-way play. Despite being 37 years old, he still has plenty of athleticism left in his body and was one of the Rockets' finest defenders in the 2023-24 campaign.

He registered career lows in average minutes, points, and rebounds last season, but that shouldn't be too concerning for the Mavs because they wouldn't be asking too much from him.

It's also worth noting that Green has championship pedigree, like Thompson and Kyrie Irving. He helped the Denver Nuggets clinch the 2023 title, making him a potential free agency target for Dallas last year. The Mavs might need to take a look at him this time around.

It also helps that the former No. 5 draft pick has ties with Irving, so joining the reigning Western Conference champion wouldn't be too difficult for "Uncle Jeff."

8. Haywood Highsmith

The Dallas Mavericks do not have cap space to work with and are, in fact, above the luxury tax line. They only have a $4.4 million midlevel exception deal to hand out besides veteran minimum contracts. Would that be enough to lure two-way forward Haywood Highsmith to the DFW metroplex?

Probably not because the free agent is in high demand in the market right now for his 3-and-D potential. His skills, length, and athleticism have helped him carve a niche as an excellent perimeter defender. Highsmith has been fearsome as an on-ball defender and chasing opponents off the ball. Meanwhile, his efficiency from the 3-point land has consistently increased since his rookie year, shooting a career-high 39.6% from long distance last season.

Chances are the undrafted pro out of Wheeling University will remain with the Heat. But if he wants a change of scenery and a chance to play for a championship contender, Dallas is the place to be.

Interestingly, he has plenty of similarities with Derrick Jones Jr., whom the Mavs lost to a hated rival in free agency. Aside from their two-way abilities, they are undrafted gems and products of the Heat's vaunted player development program. Maybe Dallas can repeat its success by replacing Jones Jr. with Highsmith.

7. Saddiq Bey

If the Dallas Mavericks can land a wing player who has tremendous upside on offense and defense, their offseason would turn out even better than it already has. The team has the opportunity to nab a player who meets the criteria in the coming days.

Saddiq Bey was thought to have been a lock to remain with the Atlanta Hawks before the organization decided not to tender him a qualifying offer this summer. Consequently, Bey is an unrestricted free agent and had reportedly gathered the interest of the Mavs two years ago.

Today, he could have checked all the boxes regarding what Dallas wants in a swingman off the bench. The Villanova University product can get buckets, as he has never averaged less than 11.6 points per game in a season. On the other end of the floor, he has proven to be a solid positional defender and has the bulk to keep up with some power forwards.

Perhaps the obstacle to the Mavs bringing in Bey is their financial limitations. Bey could command a salary higher than the midlevel exception Dallas can offer him, although it's also possible that front offices will be wary of him coming off a torn ACL, which ended his 2023-24 campaign early.

The incoming fifth-year player might also opt to stay in Atlanta, so the team can retain his bird rights and make him eligible for a bigger payday in the 2025 offseason.

6. Lonnie Walker IV

There may be some nights when the Dallas Mavericks' bench mob struggle to put the ball in the basket. A potential solution for that is signing Lonnie Walker IV.

The free agent last played for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 9.7 points and 1.8 3-pointers in just 17.4 minutes per game. Perhaps his audition for a spot on the Mavs' roster is his solid play for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022-23 campaign. The beginning of that season saw him score 14.7 points per contest, third on the team behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He had also been shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from long distance.

Unfortunately, Walker IV sustained an injury and couldn't get back his groove, especially because of the emergence of Austin Reaves and the addition of D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura at the trade deadline.

One of his most notable performances that year was Game 4 of the Lakers' playoff matchup against the Golden State Warriors. He exploded for 15 points in the fourth quarter that evening to help the Purple and Gold get the win.

The former first-round pick then decided to take his talents to Brooklyn last offseason. He had a strong start to the season, averaging 16.6 points per contest in his first 12 games as a Net. Perhaps Walker IV can find that magic again playing for the Mavs.

5. Luke Kennard

Despite reaching the Finals, the Dallas Mavericks had trouble making shots efficiently from behind the 3-point line the entire 2023-24 season. In the regular season, their 36.9% shooting from beyond the arc ranked just 13th among all teams.

Then, against the Boston Celtics, the Mavs' outside shooting struggles manifested again, causing them to fall short of their goals of hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Dallas aced the Klay Thompson signing because it addressed this weakness.

Still, the Mavs might be better off looking for more players who are proven knockdown or movement shooters. Luke Kennard appears to fit the bill.

The Duke University product has sunk 2.0 3-pointers per game in his career, converting 43.9 percent of his shots from that range. He is a year removed from finishing a campaign with a 49.4 percent 3-point field goal percentage.

Dallas could definitely benefit from having a sniper, such as Kennard, playing off the bench. Having him play in lineups with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, or both would keep defenses honest. There might be financial hurdles, though, because the 28-year-old marksman can command a seven-digit annual salary in the market. However, if he is available for a much cheaper price, the Mavs might want to pursue him.

4. Patrick Beverley

The Dallas Mavericks can surprise fans by bringing in Patrick Beverley on a minimum deal. Given his desire to compete at the highest levels, he is one of the franchise's most realistic targets in free agency.

If he joins the Mavs, he can provide the squad with infectious energy, toughness, and some playmaking off the bench. Naturally, his defense would be his most valuable contribution to the team, as he could take on the most difficult defensive assignment on the perimeter to help Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and even Klay Thompson conserve energy on that end.

An underrated impact Beverley could also have on Dallas is his penchant for protecting his teammates. Time and time again, opponents have tried to be extra physical with Doncic. However, they would have to think twice before doing so if the professional pest is on the floor to have the five-time All-NBA First-Team selection's back.

In addition, Beverley would be right at home with the Mavs because he and "Luka Magic" are notorious for running their mouth. The podcast host even named Doncic the top trash-talker in the league last season.

But if Dallas does sign Beverley, it would have to wait a while for him to debut in a Mavs jersey because he will start the 2024-25 regular season with a four-game suspension.

3. Markelle Fultz

One of the most surprising free agents still available now is Markelle Fultz. After years of disappointment and failing to live up to the hype of being the No. 1 overall pick of the 2017 draft, he has found a niche as a role player for the Orlando Magic.

However, after reportedly being treated as expendable by the Magic in the last campaign, he remains unsigned. It may have something to do with the franchise acquiring another free agent, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, whom the Dallas Mavericks also apparently showed interest in signing earlier in the offseason.

With the former Denver Nuggets joining an already crowded Magic backcourt, Fultz may be looking for a new home. He is worth taking a look at because of how well he played in the 2022-23 season, where he started in all 60 of his appearances and averaged 14.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 51.4% from the field.

However, he was relegated to a reserve role the following campaign and struggled to maintain his production. Still, Fultz continued to showcase his defensive aptitude, which the Mavs could definitely find use for. Given the relative lack of market for the athletic point guard, Dallas might be able to get him without breaking the bank.

2. Dennis Smith Jr.

Maybe the solution to the Dallas Mavericks' need for a backup point guard is their former lottery pick, Dennis Smith Jr.

The North Carolina State University product last played for Dallas in the middle of the 2018-19 season before getting traded to the New York Knicks in the deal that brought in Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. He suited up for the Knicks until 2021, then bounced around from team to team until landing on the Brooklyn Nets last season.

Perhaps it's time for a Smith Jr.-Mavs reunion, which may be a year too late because the franchise should have considered bringing him back in the 2023 offseason.

He may have failed at becoming a star, but it's clear what DSJ brings to the table now. His primary strength lies in his ability to disrupt the opposing point guard's rhythm, which would bode well for Dallas after its perimeter defense got exposed against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 Finals.

On offense, Smith Jr. has continued to exhibit his explosive first step. He could be the spark the Mavs need off the bench.

Interestingly, Luka Doncic would also get to team up with a player who he played part of his rookie season with and someone he was great friends with in Smith Jr.

1. Spencer Dinwiddie

Another former Dallas Mavericks star is still available in the market, as Spencer Dinwiddie has yet to find a new home after spending the second half of the 2023-24 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Mavs are reportedly interested in bringing back the fan favorite, and it's unclear what they are waiting for. Dinwiddie can undoubtedly fill a void on Dallas' roster, as his shot-creation and playmaking prowess would allow the squad's offense to thrive even if Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have to take a breather.

Moreover, who can forget the veteran guard's heroics in the 2022 playoffs, particularly when he lost his mind in the Mavs' dominant Game 7 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the conference semifinals? After scoring a total of just 50 in the series heading into the must-win affair, Dinwiddie put up 21 points in the first half and finished with a career-high 30.

Some fans might be wary about getting him this summer after he spurned the Mavs last February to sign with the Lakers. His strange explanation for his decision didn't help his case.

However, Dinwiddie must be apologetic about it now after watching Dallas make a Finals run while he and his team made a first-round exit. Maybe he is what the Mavs have to round the roster up with after the blockbuster signing of Klay Thompson to get over the hump.

For all the latest news about the Dallas Mavericks, stay plugged in.