The Dallas Mavericks had a very exciting day on Monday, July 1, as they signed and traded for Klay Thompson, arguably the most highly-touted free agent in franchise history. With the addition of Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Thompson, Dallas has increased their versatility, defense, and shooting even though they have lost a few important role players recently.
Following several Western Conference playoff teams’ recent roster additions, Dallas knew they would need to make some major upgrades. As a result, the Mavericks have made their way back into the race for the championship.
Previous Dallas front office regimes might have objected to Derrick Jones Jr.’s change in status and would have been hesitant to move while other free agents were still being claimed, but Dallas signed Marshall and a four-time champion in Thompson before free agency was even officially open for a full day. Nico Harrison and Dallas’ front office are building this new roster very methodically and promptly.
In order to win the NBA Finals the following year, the Mavericks ought to sign Dennis Smith Jr.
Following the trade of Josh Green for Thompson, the Mavericks have approximately $4 million remaining from their non-taxpayer MLE, as they stayed below the first apron after all of their recent transactions. Dallas will also have one roster spot open for the upcoming season. Since Dallas doesn’t always have a reliable point guard to lead their offense off the bench despite their enormous depth, many fans are hankering after another ball handler to add some consistency to the Mavericks’ lineup. Perhaps an old friend could help this Mavericks team?
Recent comments made by former Maverick Theo Pinson on X suggest that Dallas needs one more player to take their roster to the next level. Based on conjecture from the fan base, many believe Pinson may be referring to former Maverick Dennis Smith Jr.
Over the past two seasons, Smith Jr. has been transparent about his desire to return to the Mavericks if the right opportunity arises. If the Mavericks are able to sign the 26-year-old with the remaining money from their MLE, he could provide Dallas with an excellent combination of athleticism, shot creation, and point-of-attack defense off the bench.
A player of Smith Jr.’s caliber could be very helpful for Dallas in certain circumstances now that Jones Jr. and Green are gone. The Mavericks need to add defense and athleticism to the guard position after rebuilding their roster this free agency.
Smith Jr., a former Maverick, is now an even better defender and has matured in terms of his willingness to accept a role that doesn’t see him as the primary ball handler. He may never have developed into the shooter that Mavericks fans expected him to become when Dallas selected him ninth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Stay tuned as we will provide you with more information about the Dallas Mavericks during this free agency period.
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