The Dallas Mavericks made a splashy move ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline by sending Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. After the trade deadline, everybody turns their attention to the buyout market, where the Mavs have already been rumored to be the favorite for a key veteran.
It's worth noting that Mavs general manager Nico Harrison claimed Thursday he likes the team as is and doesn't plan on pursuing anybody else. However, that could easily be cover for his buyout market pursuit.
With all this in mind, we'll now take a look at the three best buyout candidates for Dallas to pursue after the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
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Dallas Mavericks Buyout Candidates
3. DeAndre' Bembry
It's shocking to see him available after the productive season he'd been having with the Nets, but DeAndre' Bembry is now in search of a new team after the James Harden-Ben Simmons blockbuster trade and would be a welcome addition in Dallas. Bembry is an effective two-way hustle player who would give them another athletic wing outside of Dorian Finney-Smith, Reggie Bullock, and Josh Green.
Bembry would do wonders for the Mavs with his efficient scoring and aggressive defensive style that would help them out a ton when they go up against the highest-scoring teams in the league. Even though they have a good number of wings on their roster, adding Bembry would bring an exciting new element.
2. Robin Lopez
Currently stuck behind Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. in the center rotation in Orlando, Robin Lopez could be seeking a buyout from the Magic in the coming days. Even in his 30s, Lopez is still a quality big who can bring solid interior defense, rim protection, rebounding, and low-post scoring to a team in need of some insurance at the center spot.
With the Mavs lacking a consistent presence down low, Lopez would fit right in and help them out in a multitude of ways. Plus, having an established NBA veteran like Lopez coming on board would be a huge plus for this relatively young Mavs squad. A center rotation consisting of Lopez, Marquese Chriss, and Boban Marjanovic could prove to be a lethal combo for Dallas.
1. Goran Dragic
Ever since he was traded from the Miami Heat to the Toronto Raptors, Goran Dragic has been heavily linked to the Dallas Mavericks. Dragic's desire to play alongside Luka Doncic, his longtime teammate on the Slovenian national team, is a big part of this. After being traded to the San Antonio Spurs prior to the 2022 NBA trade deadline, Dragic's buyout wish is expected to finally come true.
It was immediately reported that the Mavs would be the favorite to sign Dragic once he negotiates his buyout. However, the acquisition of Dinwiddie as a backcourt mate to help Doncic could alter these plans, especially based on the GM's comments.
Even so, it wouldn't be a surprise if Dragic still wound up in Dallas. The veteran guard isn't what he once was, but he could provide a strong leadership presence alongside Doncic while providing key bench minutes. Dragic could take some of the scoring and playmaking load off Doncic thanks to his unique abilities.
With Dallas looking to climb the ranks of the Western Conference, this is a signing that would allow them to continue their recent run of success. We'll see if it actually comes to fruition.
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