2. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks were one of the biggest losers this off-season. After making a run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, on paper, they look to be a worse team today than they were at that time.
They addressed what they pinpointed as their biggest need, upgrading the frontcourt after trading for Christian Wood and signing JaVale McGee. However, they suffered a huge loss when Jalen Brunson departed in free agency, signing with the New York Knicks.
Brunson was the Dallas Mavericks’ second-best player behind Luka Doncic and when Doncic wasn’t in the lineup, carried the team to success. Replacing him will not be easy and they are left dangerously thin in the backcourt.
Right now, with Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie expected to start, the only other ball handler on the roster is Frank Ntilikina. One injury and things could get dicey, quickly, in Dallas. They should be on the phone with Utah right now pursuing Mike Conley Jr.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mike Conley, Dallas Mavericks & Utah Jazz Updates
Conley would provide the team with that third ball-handler they are missing. He can play alongside either of the other guards given his ability to knock down 3-pointers at an efficient clip or be the lead playmaker.
Dallas made major strides defensively last season and Conley would ensure that continues. He is not the explosive scorer that Brunson is, but is certainly productive enough to help the Dallas Mavericks fill the biggest hole now on their roster.
