6 Dallas Mavericks who definitely won't be back next season

4. Dante Exum

When looking back at Dante Exum's 2023-24 season, you have to split the season into multiple parts as Exum looked like multiple different players throughout the regular season. He had stretches as a solid bench piece, a stretch as a dominant starter, and a shaky end of the regular season.

These struggles from the end of the regular season carried over into the playoffs, and Exum became unplayable at times despite his improvement during the Finals. He was not the same shooter he once was, struggled as a ball handler, and looked like he lost almost all of the confidence that he built in the regular season.

Exum couldn't be trusted in the playoffs even after having several huge clutch moments during the regular season, and now the Mavs have a decision they have to make.

Do they judge Exum off of the amazing regular season he had or the awful postseason that all fans say? Anyone's guess should be the former over the latter, but teams across the NBA could be interested in trading for Exum to be their backup point guard.

Exum proved that he can run the second unit and even be a trustworthy starter, but the Mavs may have to use him in a trade to land a big fish if they go that route.

All Mavs fans would likely love to see him back, especially considering his inspiring story of how he battled his way into the NBA last summer, but it wouldn't be a shock if teams from around the NBA are calling the Mavs to trade for Exum due to his team-friendly contract.

The Mavs may be forced to throw him into a big trade (if they make one), and although it would be hard for fans to see him go, it could be worth it in the long run depending on who they land.