Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to target 3-and-D wing with mid-level exception

The Dallas Mavericks are working to maximize their roster around Luka Doncic. The 23-year-old led Dallas to the conference finals, but the front office needs to upgrade their roster to jump into title contention.

General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison has wasted little time getting to work. The Mavs traded four players and their 2022 first round pick for Christian Wood on June 15 to upgrade at the five and improve their rebound. Wood is a dynamic offensive talent that should play his best basketball next to Luka in Dallas.

The Mavericks are not done making moves. They traded four players that were not part of their playoff rotation to Houston to open up space to add more talent. Re-signing Jalen Brunson is the team’s top priority, but they have the taxpayer mid-level exception and minimum contracts to hand out in free agency. What will they do?

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to target 3-and-D wing with mid-level exception

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon joined 96.7 The Ticket’s show The Hardline on June 16 to discuss the Mavericks. He was asked what the team is looking to do to improve their roster this offseason, and fans can read his response below.

"I expect them to target a 3-and-D wing with the taxpayer mid-level. In terms of a major talent upgrade, I think Christian Wood is that guy for this offseason, and I don’t know if or how he fits in the long-term picture. He’s going to have to earn the right to fit in the long-term picture, but there’s no question the ceiling is higher when you bring in a guy that can be an efficient 20-point-per-game scorer and just from a basketball philosophy standpoint should fit really well offensively with Luka."

The Mavericks overtaxed Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock in the postseason. Both played over 38 minutes per game, and their mileage covered on the court topped 49 as they chased around the opposition’s best scorers each night. Dallas needs to add some cover for the two talented 3-and-D wings.

The Mavs will be over the luxury tax line, so they will only have the $6.1 million taxpayer mid-level exception to use. It won’t be easy, but the front office is hoping they can convince a veteran to come to Dallas on a discount after their Western Conference Finals run.

Credit to Nico Harrison. He has not hesitated to improve their roster since becoming GM last summer. Expect him to act fast this offseason as he searches for the right pieces around superstar Luka Doncic. Who will the Dallas Mavericks add? Stay tuned to find out.