One team with a lot of work to do this offseason is the Dallas Mavericks. After reaching the conference finals in 2022, they missed the postseason entirely this NBA season.
At the top of Dallas’ priority list is re-signing Kyrie Irving. They parted with multiple assets to acquire him at the trade deadline, they cannot afford to have him walk in free agency.
Next up for the Mavericks is rounding out the supporting cast with pieces that fit. Primarily, big wings who can defend on the perimeter. Irving and Luka Doncic are two incredible offensive talents but will need capable defense around them if they are going to be legitimate contenders.
During a recent story for The Athletic, Tim Cato cited a pair of names that the Mavericks may target this offseason. The first was Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, followed by Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Khris Middleton.
Some names that have been floated as possibilities include the Phoenix Suns’ DeAndre Ayton and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton. But whether either party has mutual interest, or whether Dallas has the resources to acquire them, won’t be answered until this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Khris Middleton, Deandre Ayton & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Ayton could solidify the Mavericks’ frontcourt, but Khris Middleton is by far the more interesting name of the two. Coming off an injury-ridden season, there is no telling what contract he’ll get if he declines his player option.
Dallas might be better off looking to add multiple depth pieces, but the Middleton route is interesting. Along with bringing championship experience, he is the ideal fit alongside a duo like Doncic and Irving.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Khris Middleton, Deandre Ayton & Dallas Mavericks Updates
For starters, he is an above-average defender at the wing position. On top of that, he is an efficient scorer who is a threat with or without the ball. If he is added to the pairing of Doncic and Irving, Dallas would arguably have one of the best trios in the league.
With Doncic getting ready to enter his prime, this is a crucial offseason for the Mavericks.
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