Rumors: Dallas Mavericks have interest in award-winning lockdown defender

The Dallas Mavericks had a solid first night of free agency as they fulfilled their biggest priority of the offseason, which was re-signing Kyrie Irving.

Irving is returning to the Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million contract with a player option after the second year. This was a good deal for both sides as the Mavericks generously compensated Irving without overpaying for him. The Mavs learned their lesson from the Kristaps Porzingis trade and didn't extend Irving before he played a game for the Mavericks.

Dallas experimented with Irving for 20 games, they struggled some, but Dallas wanted to run it back, so they re-signed him. They also signed Seth Curry to a two-year deal.

Rumors: NBA insider thinks Dallas has "real interest" in lockdown defender

Dallas now has to finish building their roster around Luka Doncic and Irving. They still need to trade for a true starting center, and they'll likely use the MLE on a defensive-minded wing. The Mavs need someone that can take the toughest defensive assignment on the floor and alleviate pressure off Irving and Doncic's shoulders as they carry heavy burdens on offense.

An NBA reporter thinks that the Mavericks have interest in a player that was named to the NBA's All-Defensive 2nd Team last season.

Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer joined Marc Stein on his first episode of "Saturday Sportsworld with Marc Stein" on "97.1 The Freak" and said he thinks Dallas has "real interest" in Dillon Brooks. This would be dependent on if Brooks signs with Houston, but if he doesn't, the Mavericks could be a team to watch out for.

Bally Sports' Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson also reported that the Mavericks have interest in Brooks on Friday night. Robinson said the interest is mutual.

Brooks averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 steals. He was one of the best perimeter defenders in the league last season and would be a great fit next to Doncic and Irving. Brooks puts intensity and effort into playing defense, and he takes pride in it.

Stay tuned to see who Brooks signs with and if the Mavericks land him. We'll have you covered with all the latest news and rumors in free agency, so stay tuned.