Dante Exum joined the Mavericks before the 2023-24 season, signing a two-year deal with Dallas where the second year was non-guaranteed. The Australian guard and former lottery pick returned to the NBA following a two-year stint in Europe, one with FB Barcelona and one with Partizan. The former 2014 lottery pick slowly found a new home in Dallas, playing 55 games and having key moments in the regular season as the Mavericks eventually found themselves in the NBA Finals. Though he was a marginal player in the playoffs in 2024, Exum looked poised to grab a role in a loaded team ready to attack the regular season and pursue a title. But it was not to be for Exum or for the Dallas Mavericks.
Season in Review
Exum’s season got off to a rocky start. On October 4th, Shams Charania, then of The Athletic, reported that Dante suffered a right wrist injury in training camp that might require surgery. On October 9th (and by then with ESPN, Charania confirmed surgery with a three-month timetable. Unfortunately, recovery took longer than expected for Exum and he did not make his debut until January 31st against the Detroit Pistons. He would only dress and play for 15 games before suffering another freak injury, a broken hand, against the Houston Rockets, a mere six minutes into playing. While initially reported as a season-ending injury, Exum would return in the final two regular-season games and would see time in both play-in games.
In this lost season for Exum, his playing time was sporadic at best. He earned just under 19 minutes per game in 20 contests, averaging 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Following a strong performance from three in 2024-25, Exum shot the ball well for Dallas, hitting 43% of his longballs on 2.7 attempts per game.
Best Game
His strongest performance was a pre-Valentine’s Day game against the Miami Heat. Exum could not be stopped, pouring in 27 points on 9 of 11 shooting, including two made three-pointers, and three made free throws. He also tossed in four assists as he helped hold off a feisty Miami team with Dallas playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Contract Status
The 2024-25 season was the final year of a two-year deal for Exum. Given the various salary cap challenges (not to mention roster spots), it’s unclear if Exum would return.
Looking Ahead
Exum is a solid defensive guard with good playmaking abilities and some scoring punch. Dallas might consider bringing him back another season, but it’s hard to make assumptions at this point. The Mavericks are a team in need of guards and once they take a look at the free agency pool, I would not be shocked if they call his number for another season. Assuming nothing changes with the coaching staff and front office, there’s value in keeping a veteran player like Exum around, whether he plays or not.
Grade: Incomplete
His season was over before it began. Giving him a grade feels unfair, but if I was forced, I’d say B. He’s a star in his role, a requirement for teams who hope to make playoff runs these days.