The Dallas Mavericks' 2023-24 season officially ended a few days ago after their Game 5 loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, and now it's back to the drawing board.
Dallas exceeded almost everyone's expectations last season, and their midseason trades propelled them to the NBA Finals. They completely turned the team around at the trade deadline, and now it's time for Nico Harrison to figure out how he can put the team in a similar position again this season.
Dallas only has two free agents on their roster, Markieff Morris and Derrick Jones Jr., and Jones Jr. has already said he wants to come back. Jones Jr. turned into a key piece for the Mavs as the season went on, and Dallas may be in the hunt for one of the best wings in the NBA if they want to swing for the fences this summer.
Raymond Felton suggests that Mavericks should pursue Paul George
On former Mavericks guards Theo Pinson and Raymond Felton's new show called "To the Baha," Felton suggested the Mavs pursue former LA Clippers forward Paul George.
"[The Sixers are] trying to do three guys, three All-Stars in Philly, so why not try to do a three [on the Mavs]," Felton said. "If you could bring a PG (Paul George) with them two (Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving), put PG at the three or the four."
Pinson called the possibility of George being on the Mavs "nasty," and this is the type of move that would send the Mavs over the top and immediately ensure that they are among the favorites to win the Finals again next year.
Dallas needs a guaranteed third scorer, and George would become that right away. Last season for the Clippers, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from downtown.
George played 74 games last season, the most games he's ever played for the Clippers, and him coming to Dallas would form an unbelievable big three with Doncic and Irving. He has a player option this summer, so likely the only way Dallas could acquire him is if he opts into his deal and the Clippers trade him to the Mavs or through a sign and trade.
Adding George would be pricey, but this is the type of move that takes the Mavs to the next level.
Having a three-headed monster with George, Doncic, and Irving at the helm surrounded by elite role players could be the recipe for a championship for the Mavs next season, and George would step up and give the Mavs much-needed shooting. George can also create his own shot, and teams would struggle to defend Dallas when George, Irving, and Doncic all share the floor together.
For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, stay tuned.
