Will the Dallas Mavericks be able to fill the void left by Jalen Brunson and finally give Luka Doncic a legit co-star?
After Jalen Brunson left the Dallas Mavericks in the summer to join the New York Knicks, superstar Luka Doncic lost the team’s secondary scoring option. Needless to say, Brunson’s departure has created a void in the backcourt that needs to be filled.
Breaking: The Dallas Mavericks have been told Jalen Brunson intends to sign with the New York Knicks in free agency, sources say @espn_macmahon. pic.twitter.com/xQodZNjDc3
— Sports Center (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2022
The Mavericks received some consolation when they acquired Christian Wood in a trade on June 24. He should be the team’s new offensive tool. With his scoring skills, Wood can potentially score between 18 and 20 points per game. That’s a good sign moving forward since the Mavericks’ old centers weren’t exactly reliable offensive weapons. He will probably play an important role at this end of the floor.
That said, the retooling of the Mavericks roster is far from complete.
Wood is a great addition, but he’s no No. 2. Dallas has yet to add a crucial co-star for franchise star Luka.
Some think Spencer Dinwiddie might be that guy. Last season, he averaged 15.8 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Mavericks. Dinwiddie will surely be an important piece for Dallas this season, but there is no indication that he could become a No. 2 guy. His main strength is being the first scorer off the bench. Moving Dinwiddie to the starting unit might prove more detrimental in the future.
They need a guy with proven star potential who can draw opposing defenders in a much more meaningful way than Wood or Dinwiddie.
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Mavericks Keystroke
Bring on Collin Sexton
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton could be that guy.
It has been reported several times over the past two months that Dallas may in fact be interested in Sexton, who is a restricted free agent.
The Mavericks and Knicks will make an “aggressive run” at Collin Sexton, per @AmicoHoops
“Whoever doesn’t land Jalen Brunson – will make an aggressive run at Sexton, sources said. Sexton is plan B in both of these places. pic.twitter.com/0vd4a0In0o
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 30, 2022
The Cavaliers have yet to lock up Sexton, and their current offer is less than Sexton feels he deserves. This could present an interesting opportunity for Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison.
Granted, the Mavericks are already in the luxury tax. Still, a few shrewd moves can eventually lead Sexton to complete an interesting Big Three in Dallas.
To make matters worse, everyone expects the Cavaliers to match any offer for Sexton. They will likely ask for additional assets to sweeten any potential deal. The Mavericks may have their work cut out if they want to sign Sexton. There are, however, many indications that it is worth it.
Prior to his knee injury last season, Sexton was thriving. His goalscoring average has risen sharply since being drafted 8th overall in 2018. He has shown he can be one of the league’s elite scorers, and pairing up with Luka will give the Mavericks an extremely powerful in the backcourt.
As it stands, a sign-and-trade deal with the Cavaliers would be the best move, although it doesn’t look like the Cavaliers are interested in a straight trade. They know how good Sexton can be. If they lose it, they want so much more in return.
It’s possible for Dallas to offer a package made up of veterans including Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock and Dwight Powell since they won’t have a first-round pick until 2025. In fact, Josh Green is the only player in their alignment. on a rookie contract.
And yet, even that might not be enough. Adding Dinwiddie might make it work, but if you’re in Dallas, would you give up that much for what some might consider “damaged property?”
Recall that due to a damaged left meniscus, Sexton played only 11 games last season. he ended up averaging 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. After failing to accept a rookie extension before the trade deadline a few months ago, the 23-year-old became a restricted free agent.
On the other hand, Sexton is said to be ready to play again after making a ‘full recovery’. He would probably be eager to make some big numbers again, and the Mavericks would do well to have a player like that alongside Doncic and Wood.