Rumors: Dallas to pursue elite defensive wing in free agency

The Dallas Mavericks had one of the best draft nights in recent memory and now have big plans for free agency.

The Mavs know that they can't have another season that is similar to last season, so they have to make the right moves in free agency to properly build around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. That may not be an easy task, as both players will make around max money, but Nico Harrison is already proving that he has the smarts to make good moves.

The first two moves of the offseason were on draft night after he turned the No. 10 overall pick and Davis Bertans into the No. 12 overall pick, the No. 24 overall pick, and Richaun Holmes. These moves also allowed the Mavs to create enough cap space to likely have the full MLE, which leads us to a potential target for the Mavericks to chase.

Marc Stein reported on Saturday that the Mavericks shed Bertans' contract (subscription required) to "gain use of the full non-taxpayers’ $12.4 midlevel exception in free agency to pursue top wings in free agency (starting with Denver’s Bruce Brown)."

This news came less than 24 hours after the draft and shows that the Mavs aren't messing around this summer. The Mavericks switch often on defense, so signing a defensive-minded wing is likely the goal. Stein listed 2023 NBA Champion Bruce Brown as Dallas' top target when it comes to signing a "top wing."

Brown averaged 12 points, four rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals during the playoffs last season. He also had two 20-point games in the playoffs, including a 21-point game in the NBA Finals. This shows that Brown can step up as a complimentary scorer when needed. That is especially important in the playoffs, as you can't only depend on your star players.

Brown is also an excellent defender that can guard the other team's best player. He can guard one through three effectively and plays physical and tight defense on the perimeter. Brown also plays great off-ball defense and disrupts passing lanes, often intercepting passes out of the air like a defensive back in the NFL.

He would be the perfect fit in Dallas and fans would love his defense and tenacity. He was an essential part of the Nuggets' Finals run and would be one of the best defenders on the Mavericks.

If the Mavericks don't sign Brown for the MLE, they could consider signing Grant Williams. Dallas reportedly has interest in him and would be a great alternative if they can't land Brown.

Stay tuned to see what the Mavericks decide to do in free agency and if they sign Brown.