Top 5 Mavericks Offseason Guard Targets Post-Luka Era: Filling the Kyrie Void in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks are entering a new era—one without Luka Dončić and temporarily without Kyrie Irving. Luka was dealt to the Lakers in a shocking blockbuster trade last season for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. After the trade, the Mavericks' season took a turn for the worse with AD getting injured in his first game. A couple of games later, Kyrie tore his right ACL, and the Mavericks didn't make the playoffs. In the draft lottery, the Mavericks secured the number 1 overall pick and the generational talent in Cooper Flagg. Now, the future is bright for the Mavericks with the drafting of Cooper Flagg, and the fit with AD, Kyrie, and Klay Thompson would be great for next season and the seasons to come. At the same time, Kyrie is recovering from a torn ACL that will keep him out until early 2026. With a new-look core of Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Klay Thompson, Dallas is still built to compete, but they need help in the backcourt for the first half of the season.

Here are the Mavericks' top five guard targets this offseason, ranked by their fit and value:

5. Chris Paul

 (Veteran Minimum)

Chris Paul may be near the end of his career, but his IQ and leadership are timeless. Signing CP3 gives the Mavericks a steady hand to run the offense and mentor Cooper Flagg. He'd start early in the year and shift to a sixth man role once Kyrie returns.

4. Spencer Dinwiddie

 (Re-sign)

Spencer Dinwiddie knows the system and brings size, shot creation, and versatility. He's not a long-term solution, but he can keep the offense afloat and play alongside Klay or off the bench when rotations tighten.

3. Tre Mann

 (Free Agent Signing)

A young, explosive guard, Tre Mann, is a great buy-low option. He brings shot creation and flair—something Dallas needs while Kyrie is out. Still just 24, he could carve out a long-term sixth man role next to Flagg and AD.

2. Dante Exum

 (Re-sign)

Dante Exum proved his value over the past two seasons as a lockdown defender and secondary playmaker for the Mavericks. His size and unselfishness make him an ideal fit next to scorers like Klay and Flagg. Re-signing him is a must.

1. D'Angelo Russell

 (Free Agent Signing)

D'Angelo Russell brings offense, shot-making, and experience. His pick-and-roll chemistry with AD would translate instantly, and his scoring can keep Dallas afloat until Kyrie returns. Once healthy, he and Kyrie could share the backcourt or rotate as lead guards.

With Kyrie out and Luka gone, the Mavs must fill the guard rotation quickly. These five guards offer a mix of experience, upside, and fit that could help keep Dallas in the playoff mix while their new identity takes shape.