It's time for Mavericks to dump beloved veteran to sign freak athlete fans love

Just days removed from drafting Cooper Flagg and changing the course of Dallas Mavericks basketball forever, the team was forced to shift its focus to the free agency market at the possibility of signing a ball handler. With Kyrie Irving likely out for at least half of the season, the Mavericks' need for a ball handler increasingly grew, and with Irving taking a pay cut, they were able to land D'Angelo Russell on a two-year deal.

While Russell might not be the end-all, be-all answer that fans think about when considering who they want handling the ball for the long run, at just two years and under $12 million, he is a bargain. Before signing Russell, the team was in desperate need of secondary ball handling for when Irving returns and shooting, which is something Russell can do well on a prove-it contract.

In addition to signing Russell, the Mavericks reached their full 15 roster spots; however, the Mavericks could jump through some hula hoops if they wish to create an extra roster spot, and it may mean the team needs to cut Dwight Powell if the Mavs want to be serious about winning a championship anytime soon.

Mavs should trade Dwight Powell to sign Kai Jones before it's too late

With the Mavericks signing Russell to a two-year contract, the team may be forced to make a move no fan wants to see. While signing Russell added much-needed guard depth, the Mavericks will likely need to cut an active player to create a roster spot available to re-sign Dante Exum or bring back Kai Jones on a standard contract.

Just last season in 12 games, Jones wowed fans with his explosive play style and impressive defense, which may be the perfect player to back up Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in case of another injury spell. While Jones may seem like a no-brainer addition to this Mavericks unit, it would likely require the team to trade Powell, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, or even Jaden Hardy in a move that no fan wants to see.

Ever since Nico Harrison traded away Luka Doncic seemingly out of nowhere, the entire roster has been in danger of getting moved. While it would definitely come as a surprise, as Powell just picked up his player option to play another year in Dallas, it may be a necessary move.

Since entering the Mavericks organization, Powell has been a day-one professional and an amazing locker room presence, which is partially why he's still in Dallas. It may come off as cutthroat, but Harrison has shown with past moves that he doesn't care about the look of a move as long as he gets his way, and this would be the perfect move to kickstart a new era of Dallas basketball.

Jones is not only much younger than Powell, but could potentially be a piece the Mavericks use to help build around Flagg when you think about future assets. In 12 games, Jones averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in an increased role. Backing up Gafford and Lively II would not only mean the Mavericks aren't relying on Jones, but he will likely get run regardless due to the injury.

The Mavericks need to shift their focus to the future, and signing Jones would be the perfect message that the Mavericks are ready for a new era.