Dallas Mavericks position battles heading into training camp

Dallas Mavericks position battle heading into training camp: 5. Final roster spot

The Mavs enter training camp with a full 20-man roster that will have to be trimmed to 15 by opening night. They have 15 fully guaranteed contracts and Moses Brown’s deal is partially guaranteed, meaning Dallas is going to have to make a trade or eat some money and cut a guaranteed contract to get their roster down. Here is a look at the four players battling for the final position.

Favorites to remain: Trey Burke, Frank Ntilikina

On the chopping block: Tyrell Terry or Moses Brown

The Mavericks want to win right now, so it will be interesting to see how willing they are to hold on to young developing players at the back end of their roster. Frank Ntilikina was the final player signed, but his perimeter defense at the end of the bench could be important in the postseason when stops are necessary. Burke has a $3.3 million player option for the 2022-2023 season, so cutting him is going to cost $6.4 million in dead money.

That leaves Terry and Moses Brown battling for the final position. The 20-year-old guard’s contract is guaranteed for two more seasons at $3.3 million combined. Will owner Mark Cuban and the Mavs be willing to eat the money or is it Moses Brown that gets cut?

These four players will be battling during training camp to stay on the roster with three of them making the team, and it will be fascinating to watch.