Rumors: Dallas Mavericks and Lakers to battle to sign top free agent guard

The Dallas Mavericks were massive winners from the NBA's Thursday trade deadline, and their new additions could propel them into being NBA Finals contenders depending on if everyone can stay healthy.

Health has been one of the Mavericks' biggest issues this season, and keeping this squad healthy to build some momentum heading into the playoffs.

Dallas started the trade deadline off by trading for Daniel Gafford and later that day made a move for P.J. Washington. Both players will have big roles to fill right away, but these trades also created a roster spot that Dallas can fill on the buyout market.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks and Lakers to battle to sign top free agent guard

The Mavs still need a backup point guard, and they have already shown interest in former Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie was a main piece of Dallas' 2022 Western Conference Finals run, and signing him for the rest of the season may be the perfect move for the Mavs once he is bought out by the Toronto Raptors.

This season for the Nets, Dinwiddie is averaging 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from downtown. Dinwiddie will certainly have a level of interest to come to Dallas, but the Los Angeles Lakers are another team to watch out for.

According to a report by Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, "Dinwiddie is expected to choose between the Lakers and Dallas if the Nets buy out his contract." Woike meant to say "Raptors" in this quote, but the premise remains the same. The Mavs and Lakers will likely be competing for Dinwiddie, and he would give a big boost to either team.

If he chooses the Lakers, Dinwiddie may have a much smaller role than if he chooses Dallas. If he returns to Dallas, he'd be playing next to Luka Doncic once again, and this team could have the firepower to make a run in the playoffs.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks and their rumored pursuit of Spencer Dinwiddie, stay tuned.