The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in new territory after completing one of the biggest trades in franchise history—sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. While this bold move raised some eyebrows due to trading away a generational talent like Luka, it highlights the organization’s determination to focus on a championship run with Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Pairing Davis with Irving creates one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos, but the Mavericks still need more depth in their guard and wing positions. To truly optimize the potential of this duo, the team needs to be proactive in the buyout market.
With Davis’s injury history and Irving’s need for solid support, Dallas needs players who can rise to the occasion and complement their stars. Let’s explore the top candidates who could elevate the Mavericks to a top-tier threat in the Western Conference.
1. Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon, currently stuck on the Washington Wizards amidst the team’s rebuilding phase, offers the Mavericks a reliable presence in the backcourt. Given that Kyrie Irving is a high-usage scorer, Brogdon’s ability to control the tempo and facilitate the offense would help balance out Dallas’ attack.
As a former Sixth Man of the Year and an efficient scorer, Brogdon is averaging 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists this season, making him an ideal secondary playmaker. On defense, his versatility would strengthen the Mavericks’ perimeter defense, which has been inconsistent this year.
At 6’5″, Brogdon can guard multiple positions, providing stability to a backcourt that often struggles against larger guards. His veteran presence and playoff experience make him an excellent fit for a team looking to contend immediately.
2. Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown, now with the New Orleans Pelicans after a trade involving Brandon Ingram, would bring toughness, defensive skills, and versatility to the Mavericks. Brown could add grit to a team that needs more defense-minded role players. Although his averages of 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists aren’t eye-popping, his ability to contribute in the little ways would make a significant impact on Dallas.
On offense, Brown excels in a complementary role. With Irving and Davis attracting most of the attention, Brown could take advantage of open shots and finish in the paint, making him a seamless fit in the Mavericks’ system.
The Mavericks need more players who don’t need the ball to be effective but can still thrive in the team’s framework. Brown’s experience with championship-contending teams like the Nuggets shows he can elevate his game when it matters most.
3. Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic could bring essential scoring and shooting to the Mavericks’ lineup. With Irving and Davis as the focal points, Bogdanovic’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots at a high rate would make him an ideal complementary piece for the team.
Despite not playing this season, Bogdanovic is a proven scorer and could average 15–20 points per game in a steady role with the Mavericks. His addition would relieve the stars from having to create offense on every possession.
Defensively, while not known for being a lockdown defender, Bogdanovic’s size and positioning allow him to hold his own against most forwards. With the Mavericks’ struggles at the wing position, he would fill an important gap on their roster.
4. Seth Curry
A return to Dallas for Seth Curry would be a great move for the Mavericks. One of the league’s top shooters, Curry would benefit from the open looks that playing with Irving and Davis would create.
His shooting efficiency, with 46.4% from three this season, remains elite. Curry would provide consistent floor spacing off the bench, opening up more opportunities for Davis in the post. Given the Mavericks’ need for reliable shooting, Curry’s proven fit in Dallas makes him an ideal candidate to help improve their offensive spacing.
Currently playing for the struggling Charlotte Hornets, Curry could be a potential buyout target.
5. Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson would offer the Mavericks two key assets: defense and versatility. While he may not be in his prime at age 32, Richardson would immediately improve Dallas’s perimeter defense, which is vital in a conference loaded with elite scorers.
Having already spent time with the Mavericks in the past, Richardson understands what’s required in Dallas. Though his numbers this season (4.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists) are modest, his ability to hit timely shots and contribute on both ends makes him a valuable rotation player.
Richardson also fits well alongside Irving and Davis because of his unselfish style of play. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, thriving as a slasher and catch-and-shoot option.
