5 key players Dallas Mavericks can add with up to $25 million outgoing salary combination
Fresh off their 2024 NBA Finals run, the Dallas Mavericks were one of the offseason's busiest teams, bolstering their roster offensively. Nevertheless, the franchise is reportedly positioned to make another in-season trade for a high-level rotation player.
Per ex-Dallas beat writer Lauren Gunn, the Mavericks can package up to six expiring/short-term contracts and young players to land an immediate-impact player.
Potential outgoing role players include Maxi Kleber ($11 million), Dwight Powell ($4 million), Dante Exum ($3.15 million), Olivier-Maxence Prosper ($2.87 million), Spencer Dinwiddie ($2.09 million) and Jaden Hardy ($2.02 million).
Those contracts amount to $25.13 million. However, Gunn noted that Hardy appears less likely to be traded after his strong preseason.
The level of player Dallas could acquire will likely hinge on the organization's willingness to breach the salary cap limit and break into the second apron. It may also need to attach draft picks to concoct a more appealing offer. Thus, some trade targets are more realistic than others.
On that note, here are five players the Mavericks could target with a combination of the aforementioned salaries.
5 in-season trade targets for Dallas Mavericks
#5. Cameron Johnson ($23.63 million)
The Brooklyn Nets are projected to be one of the NBA's worst teams this season and are reportedly open to moving their veteran players. Forward Cameron Johnson will likely be the most in-demand among contenders due to his floor-spacing ability for his size (6-foot-8).
Over 58 games last season, Johnson shot 39.1% from 3-point range on 6.1 attempts per game, averaging 13.4 points per game. So, he could provide Dallas with an offensive boost to its frontcourt.
#4. Bruce Brown ($23 million)
One player the Mavericks have been connected to is Toronto Raptors wing Bruce Brown. With Toronto also in a rebuilding phase, Brown's expiring $23 million contract is expected to be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
While Brown's production tailed off last season, he remains a proven championship-caliber rotation piece. He played a key role for the Denver Nuggets' 2023 title team, providing defense, complementary playmaking and slashing. So, he could be a strong fit alongside Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic.
#3. Norman Powell ($19.24 million)
Another proven champion, LA Clippers shooting guard Norman Powell could offer Dallas additional wing scoring in case free-agent acquisition Klay Thompson flames out.
Powell is coming off back-to-back top-four Sixth Man of the Year finishes. Over 76 outings last season, he averaged 13.9 ppg, shooting 48.6% and 43.5% from deep.
However, the Clippers' willingness to trade him will likely depend on how they start the season with superstar forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined.
#2. Bogdan Bogdanovic ($17.26 million)
Similarly to Powell, Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic would likely be an ideal sixth-man scorer for the Mavericks.
Coming off a top-five 6MOY finish, Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 ppg, shooting 42.8% and 37.4% from outside across 79 appearances last season.
If Atlanta appears lottery-bound near the trade deadline, Bogdanovic should be a prime trade target among contenders.
#1. Dorian Finney-Smith ($14.92 million)
If Dallas wants to capitalize on Brooklyn's expected fire sale, it could also target a reunion with forward Dorian Finney-Smith. The veteran spent the first six and a half years of his career with the Mavericks before being dealt for star guard Kyrie Irving last year.
While Finney-Smith's stats don't jump off the page, he remains an ideal fit for Dallas, as he could provide 3-and-D production alongside Doncic and Irving.
Also Read: Former NBA champion likens Klay Thompson's Mavericks role to his 2014-15 Wizards stint