According to rumors, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly considering two veteran point guards from the NBA as potential replacements for Kyrie Irving in the first part of next season.
Even NBA great Chris Paul is among them. Despite losing superstar Luka Doncic in a trade earlier this year, the Mavericks still have high hopes for next year’s squad.
When one is in good health. But they won’t be able to play at full strength until Irving returns from an ACL tear, which might be after the All-Star break.
The team is reportedly considering two affordable, well-known veteran point guards to compensate for his first-half absence, as reported by NBA insider Marc Stein.
It is being reported by Stein that the Dallas Mavericks are being considered the front-runners to acquire D’Angelo Russell. Using the taxpayer midlevel exception, the Dallas Mavericks can only pay Russell $5.7 million in his first year.
This is only possible because Irving rejected his $43 million player option for the upcoming season and instead signed a new three-year deal with the Mavericks on July 6.
The first year of the deal will have a salary of less than $40 million.
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D’Angelo Russell stats (2024-25): 12.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 31% 3PT
“Chris Paul would be another Mavericks target at $5.7 million.”
The midlevel exception contract is more likely to have Paul’s support. Also, moving to Dallas wouldn’t really be that much of a change of scenery after playing in San Antonio last year. On the other hand, Stein has stated that he would prefer a 21st season in Los Angeles if he does decide to return. Would the Mavericks be able to get Russell to sign a one-year deal costing just less than $6 million? After earning $18.6 million in the previous season, this would be a significant decrease in his compensation (per Spotrac). But following a disappointing 2024–25 season, his worth is definitely low.
He could see significant playing time in the early going next season as the Mavs are expected to be a solid squad.
This might set him up for success when he returns to free agency next summer. Additionally, the Kentucky native who attended high school in Florida may be considering returning to his southern roots during his NBA career.
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