The NBA offseason is off to a fast start, and the Dallas Mavericks are already making moves. With the 2023-24 season just concluded and the 2024 NBA Draft wrapped up, the Mavericks are now focusing on free agency. Thanks to a new CBA rule, teams can negotiate with their own free agents immediately after the NBA Finals, while the full market of free agents will be available starting Sunday, June 30 at 5 PM CT. This marks the beginning of a frantic period as the league transitions from one season to the next.
The Mavericks have been proactive this offseason. They traded up in the draft to select Melvin Ajinca from France at the 51st pick. While Ajinca is expected to play overseas next season, he plans to participate in the NBA Summer League, starting with the Mavericks’ first game in Las Vegas on July 13.
In a significant move, the Mavericks traded veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons, along with several second-round picks, in exchange for young wing Quentin Grimes. This trade, which had been anticipated for several seasons, was executed to create cap space for other moves, including the potential re-signing of starting forward Derrick Jones Jr.
Rumors and speculation are rampant during this period, with some based on solid strategy and others being stirred up by rival organizations. Here, we track the latest rumors and provide insights into where the Mavericks stand with their roster and cap logistics.
The Latest Rumors
Dallas Mavericks Interested in Klay Thompson
Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein has reported that the Mavericks have mutual interest with Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. With the trade of Hardaway creating some cap space, the Mavericks are poised to explore various options, including potentially signing Thompson if his negotiations with the Warriors stall.
Mavericks Intend to Keep Reserve Guard Dante Exum
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that the Mavericks plan to retain Dante Exum. The Australian guard returned to the NBA with the Mavericks in the 2023-24 season, signing a two-year, $6.1 million contract. The second year of his deal becomes fully guaranteed on Saturday, June 29, just ahead of free agency.
GM Nico Harrison Created Cap Space to Re-sign Derrick Jones Jr.
In his end-of-season press conference, GM Nico Harrison emphasized retaining starting forward Derrick Jones Jr. as a primary goal. The trade of Hardaway appears to have created the necessary space to achieve this, though it remains to be seen how the market will value Jones, who is set to fully capitalize on his professional career for the first time.
Interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks might pursue Denver Nuggets wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, this acquisition could only be possible through a sign-and-trade, which the Nuggets seem reluctant to do with a conference rival.
Trade Talks with Trail Blazers About Jerami Grant
NBA reporter Ian Begley mentioned that the Mavericks are among the teams that have had preliminary discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers about forward Jerami Grant. Although little else has been reported, the Mavericks have shown interest in the 30-year-old Grant, who is in the second year of a five-year, $160 million contract.
Possible Interest in Tobias Harris
Ian Begley also noted that the Mavericks are one of two teams interested in former Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris. The veteran forward, who turns 32 next month, has been a key player for the 76ers but may be leaving the team after a decline in production.
As the free agency period unfolds, the Mavericks will be at the center of numerous rumors and potential deals, aiming to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.