Mavericks Major Free Agent Signing Means Firepower Amid Next Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On paper, the Dallas Mavericks are looking like a legitimate threat heading into the upcoming NBA season. While Luka Doncic is officially gone, whether fans are ready to admit it or not, this Mavericks roster is still stacked with firepower.
Advertisement
Dallas will roll out a starting five featuring Kyrie Irving at point guard, Klay Thompson at shooting guard, Cooper Flagg at small forward, Anthony Davis at power forward and Dereck Lively II holding down the paint at center. Add in key role players like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford coming off the bench, and this team is built to compete right now.
However, with Irving expected to miss the start of the season as he continues rehabbing from a torn ACL in his left knee, a pressing question looms: Who fills the starting point guard role until he returns?
Today, the Mavericks answered that question in a big way. Dallas reportedly agreed to sign former All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $13 million deal.
This move is more than just a short-term fix. Russell brings proven scoring, dynamic playmaking and the ability to seamlessly run an offense. While he’s expected to hold down the fort during Irving’s absence, his impact likely won’t stop there. Russell’s ability to swing between point guard and shooting guard provides crucial depth, especially with Thompson no longer in his prime and expected to manage his minutes throughout the season.
Advertisement
Now, what does this mean for Spencer Dinwiddie?:
Dinwiddie was rumored to be the one to hold it down until Irving returns, but with this new signing, it’s unrealistic that he would make a return.
The signing of Russell comes with major salary cap implications, and unfortunately, it likely spells the end of Dinwiddie’s second stint in Dallas. With rookie sensation Cooper Flagg’s monster $62.7 million deal and now Russell’s contract on the books, the Mavericks are rapidly approaching the dreaded second apron tax threshold.
Staying under that threshold is crucial for maintaining flexibility, meaning there’s virtually no room left to negotiate a deal with Dinwiddie. As much as Dinwiddie has been a valued veteran presence and key contributor, the math just doesn’t work out. Not to mention other point guard Brandon Williams is still under contract with the team as well.
Advertisement
Now hitting unrestricted free agency, Dinwiddie instantly becomes a huge target on the market. A proven scorer, steady playmaker, and experienced postseason contributor, Dinwiddie will draw interest from a number of contenders looking to bolster their backcourt depth.
Whether it’s a team chasing a title or a younger squad needing leadership, Dinwiddie’s phone is about to start ringing… just as the Mavs might be back to contending.
Related: Kyrie Irving Commits to Mavs With $119 Million Deal on Eve of “Flagg Day”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.