The Dallas Mavericks have a big hole to fill in their rotation in the backcourt. Jalen Brunson left the team in NBA free agency, signing a deal with the New York Knicks to become their starting point guard.

It was a move that surprised a lot of people as many presumed that Brunson would be returning to Dallas. He cemented himself as an important part of their rotation, earning the starting backcourt spot alongside Luka Doncic. Throughout their run to the Western Conference Finals, Brunson was the second-best player on the team.

Mark Cuban had said the Mavericks would do whatever it would take to keep him, but even all of the money that they could offer him, which was significantly more than what the Knicks were able to, would change his mind. Brunson liked that signing with the Knicks felt like family, which is hard to compete against.

As a result, the Mavericks now need to find a replacement in the backcourt. Spencer Dinwiddie will step into the starting lineup, but the depth is dangerously thin. Frank Ntilikina is the only other ball handler on the roster behind Dinwiddie and Doncic.

One player that could be on Dallas’ radar is Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sexton has had a slowly developing market as a restricted free agent. He is likely at the mercy of other pending moves around the league, as the Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell trade talks are occupying teams.

To land Sexton, the Mavericks would have to work out a sign-and-trade deal as they do not have the cap space to outright sign him. One deal that could work, depending on how much Sexton signs for, is Reggie Bullock, Maxi Kleber and a future first-round pick in exchange for the young scoring guard.

Dallas has reportedly been in contact with Cleveland, but none of the offers that they have received are piquing their interest. The Cavaliers aren’t going to give him away for free, but this package provides them with a 3-and-D wing that they currently lack and another versatile piece for the frontcourt.

The future first-round pick is a nice addition as well, providing Cleveland with another asset should they go all-in on trading for an All-Star caliber player. Dallas, meanwhile, addresses the major need to replace Brunson, as Collin Sexton can provide a similar impact on both ends of the court.

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