Dallas Mavericks rumors: Team unlikely to use $10.9 million trade exception

The Dallas Mavericks sent Josh Richardson to Boston for Moses Brown and a $10.9 million trade exception last summer. It was the first of now three trades made by Nico Harrison since taking over as Mavs general manager and president of basketball operations. Richardson failed to fit in Dallas, and the team was happy to send him to Boston as they searched for flexibility heading into the offseason.

Fast forward one year, and the trade exception is about to expire. The Mavericks have until June 27 to use it, but doing so is tricky. Dallas has to find a team willing to give them a player making just under $11 million, and the Mavs already dealt their first-round pick to the Rockets in the Christian Wood trade.

Marc Stein shared his latest rumors on Monday morning where he noted the Wood deal leaves Dallas “far less likely” to use their trade exception according to his source. The Mavs want to contend for the title next season, but there are significant salary implications.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks unlikely to use $10.9 million trade exception

The Mavs are projected to be a luxury tax team before re-signing Jalen Brunson. All signs point to Brunson staying in Dallas, but he is going to receive more than $20 million per season on his new deal. The Mavericks will be deep into the luxury tax after making that move, and they will need to fill at least two other roster spots in free agency.

Dallas could acquire any player making under $10.9 million, but using the full exception would cost them more than $50 million when factoring in the luxury tax penalty. That is a hefty price to pay for any non-superstar player. Owner Mark Cuban is willing to pay the tax, but the Mavericks will not spend the extra money by using the exception.

The Dallas Mavericks may not be done making trades this offseason. Harrison and the front office will be working the phones leading up to and during Thursday’s draft to upgrade their roster. Will they find the right move? Stay tuned to find out.