5 Former Dallas Mavericks the team should sign with final roster spot

2. Dennis Smith Jr.

The Mavericks and Dennis Smith Jr. are very familiar with one another. Dennis Smith had an impressive rookie season with the Mavs in the 2017-18 season where he averaged 15.9 points per game. Unfortunately for Smith Jr., the next season, he was traded to the Knicks in the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

Since the trade, Smith Jr. has yet to average more than nine points in a single season. Since the 2020-21 season, Smith Jr. has played for five different teams. Smith Jr. spent last season with the Nets in a forgettable season averaging 6.6 points per game. At 26 years old, Smith Jr. is looking for another team to play for.

So, why not have Smith Jr. return to Dallas where he was comfortable with his game? It would be a fit as Smith Jr. can provide point-of-attack defense and can also be a third ball handler with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

There have been rumors already surrounding Smith Jr. coming back to Dallas. Smith Jr. was a fan favorite when he was in Dallas, so a reunion in Dallas would definitely excite the Mavs fanbase.

Just like in the case with Jae Crowder, Smith Jr. began his career with the Mavs and was quickly loved. With the Mavs losing in the Finals, Smith Jr. could be interested in winning a championship with the team he began his NBA career with.