Dallas Mavericks have key roster decision to make before free agency begins

The Dallas Mavericks face a crucial offseason that could shape the franchise for the next decade. They must improve their roster after missing the playoffs, but their top priority is bringing back Kyrie Irving. The eight-time All-Star is an unrestricted free agent looking for a max contract, but will he find it? Dallas needs to re-sign him after giving up two starters and three draft picks to acquire him in February.

If Kyrie re-signs, the Mavericks will not have cap space. They will be forced to use their roster exceptions, minimum salaries, and trades to improve the talent around number 77. Dallas is rumored to be shopping the tenth pick in the draft for win-now pieces, and that is likely their quickest avenue to improving their roster.

The draft is on June 22 and free agency begins on June 30, but the Mavs have a crucial decision to make on Reggie Bullock in the middle of those two events. The result could tip the team’s hand before free agency begins.

Dallas Mavericks have a key roster decision to make on Reggie Bullock before free agency begins

Bullock’s contract for next season is only partially guaranteed, but the date to fully guarantee it is June 28. The Mavericks would likely do it earlier if Bullock is traded. Dallas will know what happened on draft night, and they should have a sign of what Kyrie Irving plans to do in free agency by the time they have to decide on this guarantee.

The Mavs owe $5.4 million regardless, but his contract jumps to $10.4 million when fully guaranteed. Dallas would likely trade him before the guarantee date if they do not plan on having him back, and letting him go would mean the team plans to add multiple key wings.

The Dallas Mavericks have seven soon-to-be free agents from last season, and the roster figures to undergo a massive overhaul this summer. They hope to bring back Irving and Dwight Powell, but the other five players may be looking for new homes. If so, Dallas must line up multiple free agents to sign off the open market.

Expect the Dallas Mavericks to guarantee Reggie Bullocks’ contract for next season. They need wing depth, and the 32-year-old proved he can be impactful in the postseason during the team’s 2022 run to the conference finals. If he is not returning, the Mavs found multiple wings, or their roster could be hurting for talent next season. Stay tuned for what promises to be a wild offseason.