After a successful summer before the 2024-25 season rolls around, the Dallas Mavericks are actively looking to capitalize on their run to the NBA Finals last season. The team has already made significant additions, including bringing in four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson and versatile forward Naji Marshall, to complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, with key departures like Derrick Jones Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr., there are still gaps that need to be filled if the Mavs are to compete at the highest level again. The Mavericks are operating above the salary cap and are hard-capped due to their recent moves, but they still have some flexibility with trade exceptions and mid-level exceptions to make a few more impactful additions. Here are five of the best targets the Mavericks should consider to strengthen their roster before the season kicks off.
1. Julius Randle
Potential Trade Offer To The New York Knicks: Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Knicks are in a tricky spot with Julius Randle, especially after adding Mikal Bridges this offseason. Randle, who missed the 2024 playoffs due to a shoulder injury, had a great season with 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. But with Bridges now in the mix, the Knicks might want to rethink Randle’s role on the team.
New York has a big need at center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. Daniel Gafford could fill that gap nicely as a solid rim protector who’s still young and improving. Adding Maxi Kleber gives them a forward who can hit threes and play solid defense, while Dwight Powell adds some veteran toughness to the frontcourt.
For the Mavericks, bringing in Randle could be huge. He’d give Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving some much-needed help on offense, taking pressure off them with his scoring and rebounding. Randle can play both power forward and center, which would give Dallas more options in their lineups and make them tougher to beat.
Randle’s playoff experience and ability to score in different ways would be a big boost for the Mavericks as they aim for a deeper playoff run. His physicality and leadership could be just what Dallas needs to turn into a serious championship contender.
Lastly, the 2025 first-round pick sweetens the deal for the Knicks. It gives them a valuable asset for the future, whether they use it in a trade or to draft a young player to fit into their evolving team. Trading Randle might be tough, but this deal could help the Knicks balance their roster and plan for the future.
2. Matisse Thybulle
Potential Trade Offer To The Portland Trail Blazers: Maxi Kleber, Olivier-Maxence Prosper
In the 2023 offseason, the Dallas Mavericks made a strong move to sign Matisse Thybulle, offering him a three-year, $33 million contract. However, the Portland Trail Blazers quickly matched the offer, ensuring Thybulle stayed with them. Thybulle, known for his elite defensive abilities, played a key role for the Blazers after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 34.6% from three-point range.
Despite his defensive strengths, Thybulle’s limited offensive game may not align with Portland’s future plans, especially as they focus on a rebuild. The Blazers recently acquired Deni Avdija, a versatile forward who offers more on the offensive end, which could make Thybulle expendable as Portland looks to develop their younger talent.
For the Mavericks, bringing in Thybulle would provide a significant upgrade to their perimeter defense, a critical need for a team built around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thybulle’s ability to guard multiple positions would make Dallas more formidable on the defensive end. In return, the Mavericks could offer Maxi Kleber, who provides reliable three-point shooting and defense, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a promising young prospect. Kleber’s shooting would help Portland’s spacing, while Prosper could be a valuable piece for the Blazers’ long-term rebuilding efforts.
This trade could be beneficial for both teams: Dallas would shore up their defense, and Portland would get shooting and a young player to develop for the future.
3. Cole Anthony
Potential Trade Offer To The Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, 2025 First-Round Pick
Cole Anthony has become a key player for the Orlando Magic, especially in his role as the sixth man. In the 2023-24 season, he put up 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, bringing energy and scoring off the bench. The Magic, though, had a crowded backcourt with players like Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, and Anthony Black. This depth might make Anthony a trade piece as Orlando looks to balance their roster after signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in this year’s free agency.
For the Mavericks, Anthony could be a perfect addition. Dallas has been searching for more scoring off the bench, and Anthony’s ability to create his own shot would be a big help. He would take some pressure off Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, giving them a reliable scorer who can come in and change the pace of the game.
The proposed trade package, including Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, and Maxi Kleber, along with a 2025 first-round pick, would provide Orlando with some valuable pieces. Exum brings versatility and experience, Powell adds toughness and inside presence, and Kleber’s three-point shooting would help space the floor for the Magic’s other playmakers.
Orlando could use this trade to add veteran leadership and balance their roster, while also gaining a future asset in the form of the 2025 first-round pick. This pick could be crucial as the Magic continue to build their young core and look for additional ways to strengthen their team.
For Dallas, bringing in Anthony would give them the scoring punch off the bench they’ve been lacking. His ability to lead the second unit and provide instant offense would make the Mavericks a more well-rounded team, capable of making a deeper playoff run.
In the end, this trade would allow both teams to address key needs. Dallas would gain a dynamic scorer, and Orlando would get valuable assets that could help them continue their rebuild. It’s a move that could benefit both sides as they look to improve their rosters for the future.
4. Isaac Okoro
Potential Trade Offer To The Cleveland Cavaliers: Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Maxi Kleber, 2025 First-Round Pick
Isaac Okoro remains one of the last restricted free agents (RFA) on the market, and his situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers is intriguing. The Cavs are in a bit of a bind—while they value Okoro for his defensive abilities, they’re hesitant to commit a large, long-term contract to him, especially with more expensive deals on the horizon for their core players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Okoro, who averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season while shooting a career-best 39.1% from three, is a solid defender, but his offensive limitations make him a tricky fit in Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Cleveland is reportedly open to a sign-and-trade deal, which could work out perfectly for the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs have been looking to bolster their defense, and Okoro would provide them with a young, high-upside defender at a relatively affordable cost. Given that Okoro is still unsigned and the Cavs might be hesitant to keep him on a hefty deal, Dallas could potentially acquire him without giving up too much.
In this proposed trade, Dallas would send Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Maxi Kleber, and a 2025 first-round pick to the Cavs. Prosper is a young player with potential, who could fit well into Cleveland’s developing roster. Kleber, with his ability to stretch the floor and play solid defense, would add valuable depth to Cleveland’s frontcourt. The 2025 first-round pick sweetens the deal, giving the Cavs a future asset that could be useful in their continued efforts to build around their core.
For the Mavericks, Okoro would likely step into a key role off the bench, providing elite perimeter defense while not needing to carry a heavy offensive load. His presence would allow Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to focus more on scoring, knowing they have a reliable defender on the other end. Given Okoro’s youth and potential, he could grow into a larger role over time, making this a smart move for Dallas both in the short and long term.
5. Dorian Finney-Smith
Potential Trade Offer To The Brooklyn Nets: Maxi Kleber, A.J. Lawson, Jaden Hardy, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Dorian Finney-Smith has been a consistent and valuable role player for the Brooklyn Nets since being traded there in 2023, but with the Nets entering a rebuilding phase, his future with the team is uncertain. Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game during the 2023-24 season, while shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc. His three-and-D skill set makes him a hot commodity for teams looking to add a versatile defender who can also stretch the floor.
The Nets, after trading away Mikal Bridges, are clearly focused on accumulating assets and rebuilding for the future. This makes Finney-Smith, who is still under contract for another season with a player option for 2025-26, a prime candidate for a trade. Brooklyn is likely looking for draft picks and young talent to aid in their rebuild, which aligns perfectly with the Mavericks’ potential offer.
For the Mavericks, reacquiring Finney-Smith would mean bringing back a familiar face who already knows their system and can contribute immediately on both ends of the floor. He would provide the defensive versatility and three-point shooting that Dallas needs alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Finney-Smith’s experience and ability to guard multiple positions would be invaluable as the Mavericks aim to improve their defense and depth.
In return, Brooklyn would receive Maxi Kleber, who offers solid defense and three-point shooting, along with young talents like A.J. Lawson and Jaden Hardy. Hardy, in particular, is a promising scorer who could develop into a significant piece for the Nets as they rebuild. The inclusion of a 2025 second-round pick adds future value for Brooklyn, giving them another asset to utilize in their long-term plans.
This trade could be a win-win for both teams, with Dallas strengthening their roster for a playoff push, and Brooklyn continuing to stockpile assets and develop young talent for the future.
