The Dallas Mavericks are in title contention this season but have unfortunately dealt with injuries to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the role players try to steer the ship until the stars return. The Mavericks made the NBA Finals last season in a losing effort to the Boston Celtics, and they were expected to return there after signing Klay Thompson to a three-year, $50 million deal this summer.
The Mavericks will likely show improvement in the Western Conference once Doncic and Irving return from injury, but even if they don’t, the franchise will look to make the team stronger on the court. Doncic and Irving are clearly untouchable when it comes to potential departures, but the same doesn’t apply to most of the key players. Let’s go through the list of eight Mavericks players who could leave the team.
PJ Washington
PJ Washington is a key player for the Mavericks and will make $14.1 million next season. So far, he has averaged 13.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc. His versatile skill set and ability to stretch the floor make him a valuable piece for Dallas, especially given his two-way contributions. However, Washington’s contract and upside also make him a prime candidate to be included in a blockbuster trade.
The Mavericks have reportedly been linked to players like Jimmy Butler, and Washington’s contract could serve as the centerpiece of a deal for a big-name star. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving locked in as the foundation, the Mavericks may look to use Washington as a trade asset to maximize their title window. While parting with him could hurt in the short term, Dallas knows that championship opportunities are fleeting and might be willing to sacrifice depth for an elite talent.
Daniel Gafford
Daniel Gafford is a serviceable center who provides rim protection and rebounding, averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. On a team-friendly contract earning $13.4 million in 2024-25 and $14.4 million the following year, Gafford offers solid value for his production. Despite his efficiency, the Mavericks might look to move him to balance their roster or acquire a bigger name such as Herb Jones.
Gafford’s limited offensive skill set makes him expendable, especially if Dallas feels the need to bring in a center to provide competition to Dereck Lively II. Teams in need of size and shot-blocking could be interested in acquiring Gafford, making him a likely trade candidate if the Mavericks decide to shake things up at the deadline or during the offseason.
Jaden Hardy
Jaden Hardy has shown flashes of scoring brilliance in his second season, averaging 8.4 points per game in 16.3 minutes per game. On a team-friendly contract worth $6 million over the next two seasons, Hardy’s affordability and potential make him an attractive trade chip for teams looking to rebuild or develop young talent.
For the Mavericks, Hardy represents a promising player, but he may not align with the team’s win-now timeline. If Dallas pursues a veteran or star to complement Doncic and Irving, Hardy could be included in a package to seal the deal. While losing a player with Hardy’s potential could be risky, the Mavericks are focused on maximizing their championship window, and Hardy might not have the time to grow into his role.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie has been a steady contributor for the Mavericks, averaging 9.9 points and 3.7 assists per game this season. However, the 31-year-old guard is set to hit free agency in the summer of 2025, and his strong performance could price him out of Dallas’s plans. Dinwiddie is earning only $3.3 million this season, and he may command a higher salary or longer-term deal on the open market, especially if he continues to play well as a role player.
While Dinwiddie’s scoring and playmaking are valuable, the Mavericks might prioritize other areas, such as defense and frontcourt depth, when allocating their cap space. If Dallas feels they can’t afford to meet his contract demands or if they believe they can replace his production more efficiently, Dinwiddie could leave for a team willing to pay him as a starter.
Naji Marshall
Naji Marshall has become a reliable role player for the Mavericks, averaging 11.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. On a contract worth $8.6 million this season and $9.0 million next season, he provides excellent value as a versatile wing defender and secondary playmaker. However, Marshall’s skill set makes him an appealing trade chip for teams looking to add depth.
The Mavericks could include Marshall in a package for a higher-impact player, especially if they’re targeting an elite wing or a defensive specialist to bolster their lineup. While Marshall’s departure would create a gap in Dallas’s rotation, the team might view him as expendable in their pursuit of a third star to complement Doncic and Irving.
Dwight Powell
Dwight Powell has been with the Mavericks since 2014, but his role has diminished in recent years. This season, Powell is only averaging 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.7 minutes per game, earning $4.0 million in the final year of his contract with a $4.0 million player option next year. While his leadership and chemistry with Doncic are valuable, his limited offensive game and lack of defensive versatility make him a potential trade candidate.
Dallas could look to move Powell to free up cap space or acquire a younger, more dynamic frontcourt player. While his tenure with the Mavericks has been commendable, the team’s focus on improving its title chances might necessitate moving on from the veteran big man.
Maxi Kleber
Maxi Kleber has been a solid part of the Mavericks’ rotation for years, but injuries and inconsistent play have started to catch up with him. This season, Kleber is averaging 2.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game while earning $11.0 million this season with $11.0 million coming to him next year. No doubt, the Mavericks want out of this contract.
The Mavericks realize that Kleber’s best years are behind him, and they could look to move him in a trade package for a new big man. While his ability to stretch the floor as a big man is valuable, his declining mobility on defense might make him expendable as the Mavericks seek to build a more athletic roster around their stars.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the Mavericks’ first-round pick in 2024, has shown promise as a defensive-minded forward. While his playing time has been limited, averaging 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game, his athleticism and potential make him a valuable long-term piece. On a rookie-scale contract worth $2.9 million this season, Prosper is a cost-effective asset for Dallas.
However, if the Mavericks decide to go all-in on a championship push, Prosper could be included in a trade package for a more established player. While it would be difficult to part with a young prospect, the team’s focus on winning now could override their desire to develop him. Dallas would need to weigh the risk of losing Prosper’s potential against the immediate benefits of improving their roster.
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