The Dallas Mavericks’ offseason has taken an unexpected turn. After signing D’Angelo Russell to a two-year deal on the opening night of free agency, many fans believed the front office was done making moves. With 15 players already on standard contracts, the roster looked set — and there were no major rumors suggesting otherwise.
But just days later, Dallas inked Dante Exum to a one-year deal, pushing that number to 16. Now, the team is left with an uncomfortable reality: someone has to go. A trade or a different roster maneuver is inevitable this summer to make room.
Two names have quietly surfaced as the most likely candidates: Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Jaden Hardy.
Prosper has already been mentioned in offseason trade chatter and may be the odd man out due to a lack of projected playing time. Dallas’ frontcourt is already stacked with size and talent, limiting his developmental opportunities.
Hardy, meanwhile, is entering a pivotal stretch of his young career. He’s set to earn $18 million over the next three seasons and has had an up-and-down trajectory so far. While he’s impressed at times — especially during the 2024 Western Conference Finals where he was a reliable rotational piece — questions remain about his long-term fit in a Luka- and Kyrie-led backcourt.
His ball-dominant style has drawn mixed reviews, although his spot-up shooting gives Dallas an offensive weapon off the ball. And with the Mavs expected to use more two-big lineups, Hardy’s catch-and-shoot ability could be vital.
“He is much better as an off-ball guard than a primary initiator,” one source noted, “as his shooting off the catch can be deadly.”
There’s also the concern of depth. If either Russell or Exum were to suffer an injury before Kyrie Irving’s full return, Dallas would need someone like Hardy to step up. Rookie Ryan Nembhard had a strong Summer League, but throwing him into regular NBA minutes so soon might be risky. Head coach Jason Kidd may trust Hardy more in that scenario.
“Hardy has four years of experience under his belt,” the source added, “and he has shown an ability to rise to the occasion when one of his teammates is out with an injury in the past.”
As for Prosper, he may simply need the right environment to shine. Despite not taking the leap fans expected after being drafted in 2023, his high motor and defensive energy align well with the culture Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is building.
“His hustle, energy, and heart are unmatched,” a team insider said. “He is a clear fit into the culture that Harrison is trying to build.”
At some point before opening night, Dallas must make a move — and the decision won’t be easy. Both Hardy and Prosper have become fan favorites in different ways, and even though they’re currently back-end rotation guys, letting either go could sting.
Hardy, notably, is now the second-longest tenured Maverick behind only Dwight Powell — a surprising stat that shows just how much roster churn this team has seen in recent years.
Mavs fans should brace for a difficult goodbye. Whether it’s Prosper or Hardy, the team is being forced into a tough trade gamble that could have ripple effects beyond the court.
