3 Rumored free agent targets for Mavericks' final roster spot revealed

2. Dennis Smith Jr.

Every Dallas Mavericks fan has been begging for Dennis Smith Jr. to return ever since he was traded to the New York Knicks in his second season as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade, and this year may be the perfect time for him to return to the 214.

Dallas and Smith Jr. hold mutual interest in a reunion, and he may be the missing piece for Dallas to return to the NBA Finals in 2025. He plays outstanding defense, can handle the ball, and has amazing athleticism.

Last season for the Brooklyn Nets, Smith Jr. averaged 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from downtown. As shown by the numbers, Smithh Jr. isn't a great shooter, but he makes his impact felt in many other ways.

Smith Jr. has turned into one of the best guard defenders in the NBA over the last couple of years, and he would be a great fit to come off Dallas' bench. He also had a good relationship with Luka Doncic while they were teammates, and a return would likely excite Doncic.

While Smith Jr. isn't as great of a scorer as the previously mentioned Talen Horton-Tucker, he would give the Mavs an elite point-of-attack defender who can be a third ball handler off the bench and bring energy.