5 Players from the NBA Finals who could be realistic Mavericks targets this offseason

The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster this offseason if they want to jump back into contention. Dallas reached the conference finals in 2022, but Jalen Brunson’s departure started a series of moves that unbalanced their roster. Their defense cratered, and the Mavs roster was further thrown off by the Kyrie Irving trade in February. Dallas lost 18 of their final 25 games to miss the playoffs entirely.

The Mavs face a crucial summer that starts with Irving. The eight-time All-Star is an unrestricted free agent just months after Dallas gave up two starters, one first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders to acquire him. They cannot afford to let Kyrie walk. Beyond that, improvements must be made or Dallas will be back in the lottery.

The Mavericks want to build a contender around Luka Doncic and what better way than adding someone that just played in the NBA Finals? With the Nuggets and Heat set to tipoff on Thursday, here are some realistic targets for Dallas this summer from both rosters.

Players from NBA Finals Dallas Mavericks could target this offseason

5. Bruce Brown

Brown has been a key addition for the Nuggets this season. The 6’4 wing had the best season of his career playing next to Nikola Jokic as he averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.5 minutes per game during the regular season. Brown’s production has increased in the playoffs, despite playing two fewer minutes per game.

The 6’4 guard is the perfect fit for any contending team. He is a tenacious defender that can guard multiple positions. Brown is comfortable defending on or off the ball, and his 6’8 wingspan and strength allow him to matchup against forwards. He also is comfortable as a screener on offense and has an improving jumper. 

Bruce Brown is the perfect role player. He has a $6.8 million player option for next season that he is expected to decline, and the 26-year-old is looking for a significant payday. Could the Dallas Mavericks pull off a sign-and-trade to acquire him? It is unlikely, but they should try it because Brown would be the perfect fit next to Luka and Kyrie.

4. Kevin Love

The Heat acquired Love in February after he was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6’8 big man is far removed from his All-Star days, but he remains a strong rebounder and floor spacer that can play a role. Love averaged 20.0 minutes per game during the regular season, and he played 18.0 in the playoffs before being benched in the final two games of the Celtics series.

The Dallas Mavericks finished 30th in rebounds per game and rebound percentage last season. It was one of the backbreakers of their defense. Even when they did get a stop, the Mavs could not end the possession. Dallas must be better on the glass if they want to contend next season.

Kevin Love has led the league in rebounding, and he averaged 11.6 per 36 minutes, which was the 21st-best mark this season. The veteran can only play 20 minutes per game at this stage of his career, but he brings championship experience, rebounding, and the ability to space the floor.

Love is not the best defender, but he would be a fantastic addition for the Mavs as their backup big man. He could help solve their rebounding woes, and it would give the 34-year-old a chance to reunite with Kyrie Irving as they both chase a second ring in Dallas.

3. Max Strus

The Heat would not be in the NBA Finals without Strus. Miami had to go through the Play-In Tournament to reach the playoffs. They lost the first game to the Hawks and faced a win-or-go-home matchup against the Bulls where they trailed entering the fourth quarter. If it was not for 31 points and seven 3-pointers from Strus, it would likely be the Heat who missed the playoffs.

The 6’5 wing has gone from undrafted in 2019 to a key rotation player for the Heat. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 28.4 minutes per game during the regular season before becoming a starter and key floor spacer in the playoffs. Strus is a career 37.1 percent 3-point shooter that continues to improve his game.

The Dallas Mavericks desperately need wing depth, and Max Strus has helped the Heat reach the conference finals in back-to-back years. He will now play in his first NBA Finals. He is not a lockdown defender, but he has bought into Heat Culture and will compete on both ends of the floor.

Strus is not the perfect fit, but he could take his game to another level by playing off Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Defenders will leave him open as they try to stop the Mavericks' superstars, creating more open looks for the 27-year-old. Max Strus will be looking for a significant payday this summer, but would he settle for the taxpayer mid-level from the Mavericks?

2. Jeff Green

Green has reached the NBA Finals for the second time. He played next to LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018 as they were swept by the Warriors for the championship. The 6’8 forward is good friends with Kevin Durant, and he is used to playing next to the biggest stars in the league.

Jeff Green provides a veteran presence, toughness, and versatility that the Mavericks need. He is never afraid to take on a difficult matchup or step up for a teammate. The 36-year-old could decide to retire after the NBA Finals, but if he chooses to return for his 15th NBA season, he will likely be looking to chase a championship.

Green has played 18.5 minutes per game in the playoffs as the Nuggets have dominated the Western Conference. Would he even consider leaving Nikola Jokic and Denver? He has played a consistent role for two straight years, and the Nuggets will again be a force next season.

Jeff Green has spoken highly of Kyrie Irving, and the duo played together on the Nets in 2021. Could the veteran forward reunite with the eight-time All-Star and decide to team with Luka Doncic to end his career? Dallas needs size and defense, which is something Green offers.

1. Gabe Vincent

Vincent has made himself a lot of money during the Heat’s run to the NBA Finals. He set a new career-high with 25.9 minutes per game during the regular season before becoming Miami’s starter in the playoffs and averaging over 31 a night. Vincent has put up 13.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 0.8 steals over 17 postseason games. The 6’3 guard missed Game 5 against the Celtics with an ankle injury.

Vincent has played well on both ends of the floor in the postseason, and the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent figures to be a hot commodity this summer. He made just $1.99 million this season, so the 26-year-old will be looking for a payday. Expect him to be in the mid-level exception conversation, and Vincent can choose his next team.

Would the 6’3 guard have interest in coming to Dallas to back up Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving? He could play more of a sixth-man role with opportunities to run the offense. Is that enough to entice him to leave South Beach? The Mavs could also pull off a sign-and-trade if they want Vincent to get a more lucrative contract.

The Dallas Mavericks want to contend for a championship next season, so adding players with experience on that stage would be wise. Can they convince someone to come to Dallas to play alongside Luka Doncic? Stay tuned to find out.