Now that the Dallas Mavericks’ 2023-24 season has officially ended with their loss in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, it’s time to consider how they can enhance their squad this offseason.
The Mavericks exceeded expectations, with many media outlets doubting their playoff prospects. However, their performance this season shows that the sky’s the limit for this team in the coming years.
With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the core, the Mavericks have the potential to return to the Finals as soon as next year. I fully expect General Manager Nico Harrison to be aggressive this offseason in building the roster around this star duo.
### 5. Markieff Morris
When the Dallas Mavericks signed Markieff Morris to a one-year deal last summer, it puzzled many fans due to his minimal impact in the half-season he spent in Dallas after the trade with Brooklyn.
Morris averaged 4.5 points per game, shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range, but he only played in eight games. He struggled with injuries during this period, and his lack of production suggested he wouldn’t be a long-term fit for the team.
However, Morris surprised many by becoming a significant presence off the bench this season. He averaged 2.5 points per game while shooting 35.7 percent from downtown. Although his on-court contributions were limited, his off-court impact was substantial. Morris played a crucial role in the locker room, stepping up during tough stretches and consistently encouraging his teammates.
Despite his excellent leadership and veteran presence, the Mavericks might look to replace him with someone who can contribute more on the court. The team needs another forward with size, especially after Maxi Kleber’s injury, and a versatile big who can switch on defense would be ideal.
While the Mavs might consider keeping Morris for his leadership and positive influence, it wouldn’t be surprising if they opted to let him go in favor of a forward who can provide defensive versatility and shooting.
### 6 Dallas Mavericks Players Unlikely to Return Next Season
Harrison has never shied away from making bold moves during the summer, and this year will be no different. The primary core around Doncic and Irving is set for the next few years, and a few more complementary pieces could position them to win their first NBA Championship since 2011.
Dallas has several players entering free agency and others who could be traded. Here are six players who likely won’t be back next season:
#### 1. Jaden Hardy
After being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Jaden Hardy was highly anticipated by Mavs fans. Under Nico Harrison, Dallas has performed well in the draft, and Hardy was considered a steal.
Hardy had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc. He showed promise and seemed poised to be a part of the rotation moving forward.
However, this season, Hardy was inconsistent and struggled with inefficiency. Despite showing flashes of potential mid-season, he couldn’t solidify his role in the rotation, and head coach Jason Kidd eventually sidelined him.
Kidd gave Hardy ample opportunities to prove himself, especially towards the end of the season, but Hardy failed to capitalize. His inconsistency and tendency to overextend himself within the offense hurt his chances.
Hardy’s future with the Mavericks is uncertain. He could be included in a trade package this summer, attracting interest from young teams or contenders. Although Hardy could still be retained by Dallas, it might only be sensible if another player, who will appear later on this list, is traded instead. Hardy’s playoff performance was also inconsistent, raising further doubts about his long-term fit with the team.
Overall, while Hardy has potential, the Mavericks need consistent performers to support their star duo. Whether Hardy remains with Dallas or is moved in a trade, his future will be a critical point of consideration for the team’s offseason strategy.
### 2. Dante Exum
Reflecting on Dante Exum’s 2023-24 season reveals a series of ups and downs, making it necessary to dissect his performance into distinct phases. At times, he served as a dependable bench player and even showed dominance as a starter. However, towards the end of the regular season and into the playoffs, Exum’s form faltered significantly.
His struggles from the latter part of the regular season persisted into the playoffs, where he faced challenges on both ends of the floor. Despite having standout moments during the Finals, overall, Exum’s performance became inconsistent. His shooting declined, his ball handling suffered, and he appeared to lose much of the confidence he had built earlier in the season.
During critical playoff moments, Exum’s reliability came into question, despite his earlier contributions during the regular season. Now, the Mavericks face a decision regarding his future.
Will they evaluate Exum based on his impressive regular season or his disappointing postseason? Ideally, they would lean towards his earlier successes, but other NBA teams may see potential in him as a backup point guard and could inquire about a trade.
Exum has demonstrated his ability to lead the second unit and even step up as a starter when needed. However, if the Mavericks pursue a major trade, they might include Exum to facilitate such a move.
While Mavericks fans appreciate Exum’s inspiring journey to the NBA last summer and would likely welcome his return, the reality is that his team-friendly contract could attract interest from other teams looking to bolster their roster.
If the Mavericks decide to pursue a significant trade, they might reluctantly include Exum in the deal. While such a move would be difficult for fans, it could yield long-term benefits depending on the caliber of player they acquire in return.
### 3. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr., a longtime guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has been a recurring figure in offseason trade rumors, and this upcoming offseason appears to be no exception. Last summer, there were reports suggesting that the Mavericks were likely to trade Hardaway Jr., although a deal never materialized.
Early in the season, the Mavericks seemed fortunate to have retained him, especially as he was prominently in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year. However, his performance notably declined after the trade deadline. Throughout the season, Hardaway Jr. averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.5 steals per game, shooting 40.2% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range.
His statistics would have been significantly higher if he had maintained the hot shooting streak from earlier in the year, but he struggled with consistency. Hardaway Jr. faced a prolonged shooting slump that raised concerns, despite having some strong performances in the playoffs.
Considering his expiring contract and potential role in salary matching, it wouldn’t be surprising if Hardaway Jr. is included in a trade should the Mavericks pursue a major acquisition. While he has shown flashes of brilliance over the years, the latter half of his 2023-24 season was marked by disappointment.
Mavericks fans have witnessed Hardaway Jr. at both his best and his worst this season, and it wouldn’t be unexpected to see him wearing a different jersey on opening night next season. Despite his contributions over the years, particularly his scoring ability off the bench, the inconsistency in his recent performance may prompt the Mavericks to explore other options.
4. Josh Green
Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green along with several other players on this list seem like they will likely return, but just due to his tradeable contract and high upside, he is someone who could be moved if the Mavs decide to make a big trade this summer.
This season, Green averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from downtown. Green remains one of the best shooters on the team and his defense was excellent at times during the playoffs, but his inconsistency remains a problem.
Green seemingly never strings together solid back-to-back performances, and his injuries over the last few seasons could start to be concerning. He has battled multiple elbow injuries and an ankle injury over the last two seasons, and the Mavs may decide to throw him into a big trade to land a third star (if they go that route), and no one would be shocked if teams are calling about him this summer.
Teams were calling the Mavs last summer about Green, and the Mavs refused to include him in a potential trade around the time of the draft for Clint Capela. I could see the Mavs using a similar mindset with Green this summer, but he may just be the piece they have to trade if they make a big swing.
He’s young, he plays extremely hard, and he is locked up on a team-friendly deal until after the 2026-27 season. Teams around the NBA could be drooling at the chance to acquire Green, and only time will tell if the Mavs hold on to him or not. I expect him to be back, but if Dallas makes a big trade, Green will be coveted
### 5. Josh Green
Josh Green, the guard for the Dallas Mavericks, appears likely to return, but his tradeable contract and potential upside make him a candidate to be moved if the Mavericks pursue a major trade this offseason.
This season, Green posted averages of 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, shooting 47.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. He remains one of the team’s top shooters, and his defense showed flashes of excellence during the playoffs. However, inconsistency has been a recurring issue for Green.
He has struggled to maintain consistent performances from game to game, and concerns have arisen over his injury history, including multiple elbow and ankle injuries over the past seasons. Should the Mavericks opt to pursue a third star through a major trade, Green could be included as part of the deal.
Teams showed interest in Green last summer, with the Mavericks reportedly fielding inquiries, but they opted to retain him rather than include him in a trade for Clint Capela around the draft. A similar stance could be taken this summer, although Green might become a key piece in a significant trade.
Despite his youth, strong work ethic, and team-friendly contract extending until after the 2026-27 season, other NBA teams may view Green as an attractive acquisition. The Mavericks’ decision on Green’s future will hinge on their plans for roster improvement this offseason. While his return seems probable, a major trade could see Green become a sought-after asset on the market.
### 6. Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr., alongside Markieff Morris, is the only free agent on the Dallas Mavericks roster. Last summer, Dallas signed Jones Jr. to a minimum one-year contract, a decision that proved highly beneficial.
Jones Jr. quickly solidified his role as the starting wing ahead of Josh Green, showcasing excellent production on both ends of the floor throughout the season. He averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, shooting 48.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range.
His defensive contributions were particularly outstanding, making him a key part of the Mavericks’ rotation. However, Jones Jr.’s impressive season might have priced him out of a return to Dallas.
While Jones Jr. has expressed interest in staying with the Mavericks, he is expected to explore opportunities in free agency. His strong playoff performance and team-oriented attitude could attract significant interest, potentially leading to a lucrative contract offer.
Dallas is keen on re-signing Jones Jr., but the financial constraints of the salary cap will limit their ability to compete with potential offers from other teams. His performance this season has solidified his status as an elite role player in the NBA, suggesting he may command a substantial contract this summer.
While a reunion between Jones Jr. and the Mavericks remains possible, his impressive play has likely increased his market value, making it uncertain whether Dallas can match offers he might receive elsewhere. Both sides are interested in continuing their partnership, but the financial landscape of free agency will ultimately determine his future destination.
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