Dallas Mavericks

If you asked people before the 2022 NBA Draft, they would think it was crazy to include the Dallas Mavericks on a list of teams that should pursue Malcolm Brogdon. They have Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie on the roster and many expected them to re-sign Jalen Brunson as well.

My, how quickly things change in just a few days. Since draft night, it has become apparent that Brunson will no longer be in Dallas Mavericks’ plans as it sounds like he is heading for the bright lights of The Big Apple and the New York Knicks.

The Dallas Mavericks can try salvaging things and turn that departure into a sign-and-trade deal, but the Knicks cleared enough cap space to outright sign Brunson. Dallas will have to get creative replacing his production and Brogdon could be the answer.

The Mavericks had been linked to the Indiana Pacers previously, as Myles Turner was a presumed target. But, with Dallas already acquiring Christian Wood, they no longer need a center; the Mavericks’ attention should turn to the versatile Brogdon.

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Brogdon could step right into the role that Brunson is departing as Doncic’s running mate in the backcourt. While he may not be as explosive of a scoring option, Brogdon offers a lot more defensive upside than Brunson, which could offset things.

The Dallas Mavericks are left scrambling with the Jalen Brunson departure, as they do not have the cap space to sign a player to replace him. They will have to find a trade partner and the Pacers with Brogdon is a good place to start.