Closing in on the end of an absolute circus of a season, the Dallas Mavericks will soon have some decisions to make. With five contracts expiring or with an option this offseason, and an estimated $52,000,000 being lifted off of the books, this period will be crucial to the Mavericks’ future. No silly contracts, limit the downside on risks and enact cutthroat realism.

The wages of departed Mavs Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Tyus Jones are coming off the books. Khris Middleton, Dwight Powell, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III and Brandon Williams are on the chopping block. So, what to do?

Stash or Pass: Which Expiring Mavericks are Worth Keeping?
Dwight Powell: Hand Him A Blank Check

The full argument for Dwight Powell continuing his Mavericks tenure could be an article in itself. While his on-court contributions are sporadic, Powell is a Dallas stalwart. The longest-serving man on the team, he carries the DNA of DFW and has seen everything. DP will be associated with the Mavericks long past his future retirement. When he is needed, he steps up. When he’s riding the pine, he is a vocal mentor and a locker room leader. Keep him at all costs.

Khris Middleton: It Depends

Earning upwards of $33 million this season, Khris Middleton is the biggest salary dump this year. While he may not be the red-hot ring-winning second option that he used to be, his basketball IQ and veteran presence can be incredibly important. Middleton is still a steady shooter, capable of creating his own shot out of nothing or slinging the rock if he has to. His basketball brain is immense, the kind of third eye that can only be developed through veteran experience.

The detractor to Middleton, however, is Klay Thompson. Everything Khris can do, Klay can do better. With Thompson reportedly upset with his situation in Dallas and desperate to add to his ring collection, Middleton should be retained in case of his departure. Short-term, low cost, get it done.

AJ Johnson: Pass

Already on his third team in his second NBA season, AJ Johnson hasn’t been able to settle yet. Could Dallas be the spot where he can hang his hat? Absolutely not. While he certainly has upside and is yet to develop, the Mavs aren’t a charity and shouldn’t operate like one.

There is no doubt that Johnson will find a landing spot somewhere in the league, but it’s not worth the trouble of triggering his two-year team option. The money is better served going towards a vet minimum for a useful squad player, instead of gambling on the league’s latest foster child. The Mavs will have two first-round picks and two fantastic guard prospects in Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard. With Kyrie Irving returning next year, there isn’t room for a boom or bust third-year struggling guard.

Brandon Williams: Pass

The reasoning for letting go of Brandon Williams is much the same as that for AJ Johnson. There’s just no room for an underperforming, lackluster guard if the Mavericks want to shoot for the playoffs next year.

Williams is a beneficiary of circumstance this year, starting regularly due to the Mavericks’ woes at the one. A failed D’Angelo Russell experiment and the injury to Irving have unceremoniously granted him minutes. There will never be a better opportunity for Brandon Williams to showcase his talent, and he has failed to impress. Time to move on and give someone else the opportunity.

Marvin Bagley III: Keep

In a cruel twist of fate, there is a top-three 2018 draft pick balling out in Dallas, and it’s former Sacramento King Marvin Bagley III. While he may be benefiting from Dereck Lively II undergoing season-ending surgery, you could set your watch to Lively’s absence, and the Mavericks should hold on to a steady hand at the backup or third choice center spot.

Averaging 11 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes per game since joining Dallas in 2024, Bagley hasn’t put a foot wrong. Daniel Gafford has been in trade rumors since last offseason. If he leaves, granting Lively the starting center spot, a seasoned backup is essential. MB3 could very well have a mid-career resurgence as a vital role player in Dallas and pick up some serious minutes due to the unreliability of the guys ahead of him.

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