The Dallas Mavericks are in the hunt for an NBA championship this season after losing in the NBA Finals last year and they have reinforced their roster with the addition of four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. Despite the loss of Luka Doncic for a handful of weeks due to a calf injury, we do not expect the Mavericks to drop below a top-four seed in the Western Conference because of the presence of Kyrie Irving and a solid supporting cast.
That doesn’t mean that the Mavericks should not make any moves. The West is being led by the OKC Thunder while the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets are competing at a high level. To push themselves further, the Mavericks will need to make smart moves.
They have the 10th-highest payroll in the NBA this season with Doncic ($43,031,940), Irving ($41,000,000), Thompson ($15,873,016), and PJ Washington ($15,500,000) the highest earners on the team. That is a hefty payroll that could limit who the Mavericks could acquire, and that includes superstar Jimmy Butler.
However, they still have some interesting assets that other teams could be interested in, and we have split who the Mavericks should target based on priority: primary, secondary, must-avoid, and alternative.
Priority: Herber Jones
Herbert Jones is a dream target for the Dallas Mavericks as they aim to round out their roster for a championship run. The 26-year-old forward is a defensive ace, capable of guarding multiple positions with his length, athleticism, and instincts. This season, Jones is averaging 11.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, making him a perfect 3-and-D player for the Mavericks’ system.
Jones’ ability to lock down perimeter threats would be invaluable, especially come playoff time when matchups against elite scorers like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are inevitable. Pairing Jones with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic would ensure that the Mavericks’ defensive deficiencies are addressed, while his growing offensive game adds another dimension to their attack.
A trade package of Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and the 2025 first-round pick might be enough to entice the rebuilding New Orleans Pelicans, especially given their desire to add scoring and size. The Mavericks must do whatever it takes to land Jones.
He’s young, fits their timeline, and would immediately elevate their defense without sacrificing spacing on offense. If Dallas wants to make the leap from contender to favorite, Jones should be their top priority.
Secondary: Jerami Grant, Bojan Bogdanovic
Jerami Grant is an intriguing secondary target for the Mavericks. Grant is averaging 15.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks this season while shooting 38.2% from three, proving he can provide offense and defense at a high level.
His ability to score off the dribble, hit open threes, and guard multiple positions would make him an ideal third or fourth option in Dallas. A trade package including Daniel Gafford, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, and a future first-round pick (along with second-round picks) could bring Grant to Dallas, bolstering their forward depth.
Bojan Bogdanovic offers a different but equally valuable skill set. The 35-year-old veteran has yet to play a game this season but is expected to be back very soon. He averaged 15.2 points per game last season on 39.8% shooting from beyond the arc.
His scoring versatility—whether as a spot-up shooter or secondary creator—would take pressure off Doncic and Irving, particularly in crunch time. Trading for Bogdanovic might cost the Mavericks Maxi Kleber, Quentin Grimes, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper along with a first-round pick, but his experience and scoring ability make him a low-risk, high-reward option.
While neither Grant nor Bogdanovic offers the defensive upside of Herbert Jones, they both provide skills that address other needs for Dallas. If Jones is unattainable, targeting one of these players would still be a win for the Mavericks.
Avoid: Zach LaVine, John Collins
The Mavericks should steer clear of Zach LaVine, despite his offensive prowess. While LaVine is averaging 22.0 points and shooting 44.7% from three this season, his high usage rate and defensive liabilities make him a poor fit alongside Doncic and Irving.
Adding another ball-dominant guard to an already guard-heavy lineup would create redundancy and disrupt the team’s balance. Additionally, LaVine’s $40 million salary would severely limit Dallas’ financial flexibility, making this an unwise move for the long term. Losing out on Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and other valuable players such as Daniel Gafford to gut the depth chart is not worth the move.
John Collins is another player the Mavericks must avoid. While his 17.7 points and 8.w rebounds per game look appealing on paper, Collins has struggled to live up to his potential, particularly on defense.
His questionable fit alongside Doncic and Irving makes him a risky acquisition. Trading assets like Washington, Gafford, and picks for Collins would feel like a lateral move at best, and the Mavericks need to aim higher if they’re serious about winning a championship.
Dallas cannot afford to gamble on players who don’t directly address their most pressing needs. Both LaVine and Collins carry significant risks that outweigh their potential rewards, making them clear “avoid” candidates.
Alternative: Corey Kispert
Corey Kispert is an alternative the Mavericks could consider if their primary and secondary targets fall through. Kispert has developed into a reliable shooter for the Washington Wizards, averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting 43.2% from the field. His ability to space the floor would make him an excellent complement to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, opening up driving lanes and keeping defenses honest.
Kispert’s youth (25 years old) and team-friendly rookie-scale contract make him a cost-effective option for Dallas. While he doesn’t bring the defensive prowess of some of the Mavericks’ other targets, his offensive contributions, particularly as a catch-and-shoot specialist, could give the team a needed scoring boost off the bench. A trade package including Dante Exum, Dwight Powell, and 2025 Second-Round Pick might entice the struggling Wizards, who are in rebuilding mode and could value the future assets.
While Kispert wouldn’t solve the Mavericks’ defensive issues, his elite shooting and ability to fit into a team-first system make him an attractive low-risk acquisition. If Dallas finds itself running out of options as the trade deadline approaches, Kispert could provide the offensive spark they need without requiring a major shake-up to the roster.
