Mavericks ripped for shockingly letting go of fan-favorite wing in free agency

After the 2024 NBA Playoffs, it was clear that the Dallas Mavericks had built a team that could contend in the Western Conference for years to come.

Despite falling way short to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Dallas was in a great spot heading into the offseason. They had some weaknesses that needed to be addressed such as shooting, but the team was in a great place ahead of free agency which would begin less than a month later.

The Mavs' main priority was originally re-signing Derrick Jones Jr., but this quickly shifted to getting their hands on Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade. It doesn't help that Jones Jr. switched agents right before free agency, and the Mavs decided to go a different direction and sign Naji Marshall to a three-year deal.

Dallas not re-signing Jones Jr. was a major shock to some at first considering the mutual interest in a reunion, but will Jones Jr.'s departure truly make a big impact on the composition of the team?

Dallas Mavericks ripped for not re-signing Derrick Jones Jr.

According to Bleacher Report, it could end up hurting Dallas considerably.

Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus made a "case against" the top 10 title favorites in the NBA for next season, and his case against the Mavs revolved around losing Jones Jr.

"Dallas let (Jones Jr.) go in free agency and chose to add another shooter in Klay Thompson, who isn't the defender he was back in the championship years with the Golden State Warriors before multiple leg injuries," Pincus stated.

Pincus also believes that counting on Marshall to replicate Jones Jr.'s production and role may be "too optimistic."

While Jones Jr.'s impact on the Mavs throughout the playoffs was priceless and he was elite in his role, people are starting to overreact a bit when it comes to him leaving the Mavs. While Pincus is correct in saying that Thompson's defense isn't elite anymore, he doesn't seem to consider how good Marshall can actually be for the Mavs.

Marshall is a better shooter, ball handler, and passer than Jones Jr., and an argument can be made that his defense is near the level of Jones Jr.'s as well.

While losing Jones Jr. was definitely tough to see for Mavs fans at first, the overreactions must stop. Saying that Dallas' downfall would revolve around the loss of Jones Jr. seems to be too steep of a consequence at this juncture, and the Mavs did a good job of replacing his defense by signing Marshall and trading for Quentin Grimes.

Although the starting lineup's defense did get weaker by swapping Jones Jr. for Thompson, the team's defense arguably improved. Marshall and Grimes are absolute dogs on that end. Their contributions on defense can replace Jones Jr.'s easily, and fans shouldn't overthink the loss of Jones Jr. too much.