The Dallas Mavericks have high expectations in the upcoming playoffs but failure could result in massive changes in the roster next season. With only Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving considered untouchable, there could be nine important players who could leave to build a title contender in the Western Conference.
Tim Hardaway Jr. – Via Trade
Contract Status: $16,193,183 In 2024-25
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a pivotal player for the Dallas Mavericks, particularly in the role of the third scorer behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving With only one year left on his contract, the Mavericks find themselves at a crossroads regarding his future with the team. Hardaway Jr. has had a strong season, making a compelling case for the Sixth Man of the Year award due to his offensive numbers (15.4 PPG on 36.1% 3-PT FG).
Given his age (32) and performance level, Hardaway Jr. will likely seek a lucrative contract, which could pose salary cap challenges for the Mavericks, especially if they aim to make significant roster upgrades. The Mavericks’ playoff performance could be a determining factor in Hardaway Jr.’s future with the team. If the team fails to advance deep into the playoffs or meet expectations, there may be pressure to make changes to the roster, possibly targeting a new third option like Kyle Kuzma or even veteran defensive player Draymond Green who could be wearing out his welcome in Golden State.
PJ Washington – Via Trade
Contract Status: $15,500,000 In 2024-25, $14,152,174 In 2025-26
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Since being acquired before the trade deadline this season, PJ Washington has made a significant impact with the Dallas Mavericks. In his 20 appearances with the team, the 25-year-old forward has posted solid numbers, averaging 10.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His energy and athleticism have been valuable additions to the Mavericks’ roster, aligning well with the team’s long-term objectives and playing style.
While Washington has fit seamlessly into the Mavericks’ system and has shown promise as a valuable contributor moving forward, his future with the team could hinge on potential roster improvements. Given his age, skill set, and performance, Washington has emerged as a valuable trade asset for the Mavericks. If the team has an opportunity to significantly upgrade their roster or address specific needs, Washington could be a player that other teams target in trade discussions.
Daniel Gafford – Via Trade
Contract Status: $13,394,160 In 2024-25, $14,386,320 In 2025-26
2023-24 Season Statistics: 11.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Acquired before the trade deadline, Daniel Gafford has quickly proven his worth to the Dallas Mavericks with his athleticism and solid contributions on both ends of the court. As a young center, Gafford has provided valuable depth at the position, complementing rookie Dereck Lively III and bolstering the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation.
In his 20 games with Dallas, the 25-year-old has been a consistent performer, averaging 11.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Similar to PJ Washington, Gafford has emerged as a valuable trade asset for the Mavericks. While he has fit well within the team’s system and shown promise as a long-term piece, his future with the Mavericks could be contingent on potential roster upgrades. The Mavericks’ primary focus remains on building a championship-caliber team around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and if moving Gafford can facilitate significant improvements in other areas, the team could consider trading him.
Maxi Kleber – Via Trade
Contract Status: $11,000,000 In 2024-25, $11,000,000 In 2025-26
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Maxi Kleber, currently under contract for two more seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, finds himself in a precarious position as potential trade fodder for the team. Despite being a familiar face on the roster, Kleber’s contributions have been less impactful compared to some of his teammates. Last year, he played in only 37 games, and this season, he has appeared in just 35 games, raising doubts about his availability and contribution in limited minutes.
From a performance standpoint, Kleber’s numbers have been relatively modest, posting negligible scoring and rebounding figures. His defensive capabilities, which were once considered a strength, have declined, and he doesn’t offer the same level of athleticism as younger options like PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. Given these factors, it’s plausible to suggest that the 32-year-old’s time in Dallas could be coming to an end.
Josh Green – Via Trade
Contract Status: $12,654,321 In 2024-25, $13,666,667 In 2025-26, $14,679,012 In 2026-27
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Josh Green has shown promising development as a two-way wing player for the Dallas Mavericks. At just 23 years old, Green has demonstrated his potential to be a valuable contributor alongside stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. His athleticism, defensive prowess, and ability to run the floor make him an intriguing asset for the Mavericks.
Despite his improvement and growing role within the team, Green is not considered untouchable in trade discussions. In his 54 appearances with the Mavericks this season, Green has started in 32 games, and his ability to defend multiple positions and provide athleticism on the wing adds value to his profile, making him an attractive trade chip for the Mavericks.
As the Mavericks explore potential roster moves to enhance their competitiveness and championship aspirations, it’s likely that Green’s name will come up in trade discussions. While he has shown promise and fits well with the team’s core players, the Mavericks may need to part ways with Green to facilitate significant roster upgrades.
Dwight Powell – Via Trade
Contract Status: $4,000,000 In 2024-25, $4,000,000 Player Option In 2025-26
2023-24 Season Statistics: 3.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Dwight Powell has been a reliable role player for the Dallas Mavericks in recent years, providing energy, hustle, and interior presence off the bench. However, this season has seen a decline in his role and playing time, signaling that his tenure with the team could be coming to an end. Averaging just 13.4 minutes per game this season, Powell has appeared in 57 games primarily as a traditional big man.
His inability to stretch the floor and shoot the three-pointer in today’s modern NBA landscape has reduced his value in the Mavericks’ rotation. Given his diminished role and the emergence of younger, more versatile options on the roster, Powell could be expendable in trade discussions. In terms of trade considerations, Powell’s contract could be used to match salaries in potential deals.
Dante Exum – Via Trade
Contract Status: $3,150,000 In 2024-25
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.1 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Dante Exum, the combo guard who returned to the NBA after two seasons abroad in Serbia, finds himself in a unique position with the Dallas Mavericks. At almost 29 years old, Exum is not considered untouchable, especially given his role as a backup guard on the team as he has 15 starts in 46 games.
While Exum brings versatility and defensive capabilities to the table, his limited impact and role within the Mavericks’ rotation could make him expendable in trade discussions. With younger and more impactful options available, Exum’s contract could be utilized to match salaries in trade scenarios.
Free Agents
Markieff Morris
2023-24 Season Statistics: 2.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Markieff Morris, the veteran forward, joined the Dallas Mavericks this season and has appeared in 21 games, averaging 8.1 minutes per game. At 34 years old, Morris finds himself at a crossroads in his career, especially considering his limited playing time and role with the Mavericks.
Given his age and diminishing contributions, the Mavericks may opt to let Morris walk in free agency rather than re-signing him for another season close to his current salary ($3,196,448). While Morris brings experience and veteran leadership to the team, his on-court impact has been minimal, and the Mavericks may prioritize reallocating his salary cap space to address other needs and pursue younger, more impactful players.
Derrick Jones Jr.
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Derrick Jones Jr., the 27-year-old forward, has played a significant role for the Dallas Mavericks this season, appearing in 67 games and starting in 57 of them. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and energy have been valuable assets for the Mavericks, making him a key contributor to the team’s success.
Given his important role and contributions this season, the Mavericks could look to bring Jones back on a long-term deal to solidify their roster and maintain continuity. His skill set aligns well with the team’s needs, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset moving forward. However, there is always a risk that Jones could find a better deal elsewhere in free agency, especially if another team offers him a more lucrative contract.
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