10 Free agents who should be on the Dallas Mavericks' summer wish list

9. Dennis Smith Jr.

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis in 2019, they had to give up second-year guard Dennis Smith Jr. as part of the deal.

Smith Jr. was coming off an excellent rookie year, but some doubted his long-term fit next to Luka Doncic in the backcourt. Dallas ended up moving him, but he is someone who would be a great fit as the leader of the bench unit.

This season for the Nets, Smith Jr. is averaging 7.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 27.4 percent from downtown. Smith Jr.'s 3-point shooting numbers may scare some people away, but Dallas should sign him to lead their second unit and defend.

Smith Jr. has quietly emerged as a top guard defender in the NBA, and this season in Brooklyn is proving that. He can pick up full court and his physicality is great. Smith Jr. brings the flame that Dallas needs in their second unit, and he is only 26 years old.

He fits the timeline that Dallas has been putting together over the last few months, as they seem to target players who are young and can also contribute right now. Mavs fans would likely love a Smith Jr. to Dallas reunion, and Doncic would be reunited with someone whom he was close friends with.