Pre-Draft Outlook
By advancing to the postseason, Dallas conveyed its 2024 first-round pick to the New York Knicks as the final condition of the 2019 seven-player deal that brought the since-departed Kristaps Porzingis to town. That pick becomes the No. 24 overall selection, leaving the Mavericks with this year’s final pick (No. 58). Dallas prioritized the present over the future in acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, and those moves boosted the team’s trajectory. In that deal, Dallas swapped rights of 2028 first-round picks with Oklahoma City to obtain the Thunder’s 2024 first-round pick. That selection was jettisoned to Washington in the Gafford deal.
The Way to Go
The Mavs fortified the frontcourt by drafting 2023-24 All-Rookie second-teamer Dereck Lively II and trading for Gafford. They also acquired the perfect two-way wing fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Derrick Jones Jr., who might just be one of the steals of 2024 free agency. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but both sides have an interest in making a deal. He’ll have suitors, though. So, the Mavs have looked at potential replacements in Isaac Okoro and Naji Marshall. Given this team’s overall depth, Dallas could take a flyer on another athletic wing. If he’s still on the board, Baylor’s Jalen Bridges makes sense at No. 58 as his skillset is reminiscent of former Mavs forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
— Michael C. Wright
Here’s a quick look at Dallas’ current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Dante Exum
G: Josh Green
G: Jaden Hardy
G: Kyrie Irving
G: A.J. Lawson
G/F: Tim Hardaway Jr.
F/G: Luka Doncic
F: Maxi Kleber
F: Olivier-Maxence Prosper
F: P.J. Washington
F/C: Daniel Gafford
F/C: Dwight Powell
C: Dereck Lively II
Free Agents
G: Brandon Williams
F: Greg Brown III
F: Derrick Jones Jr.
F: Markieff Morris