The Dallas Mavericks continue to outline their offseason plans. The team is heavily focused on getting a backup point guard to replace Kyrie Irving until he returns from his ACL injury. Irving isn't expected back until next year, and the Mavs desperately need someone to run the offense. They need someone to set up opportunities for Anthony Davis and future draft pick Cooper Flagg.
Irving was a key component of the Mavs' offense and played a critical role in helping Dallas stay competitive when Luka Doncic was traded, so replacing his production won't be easy. However, one player who played a crucial role in backing up Irving may not be returning. Dante Exum, a fan favorite, might be set to take his talents elsewhere. Exum has been receiving interest from a team overseas, specifically the recent EuroLeague champion Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul.
Assuming Exum doesn't return and heads overseas in free agency, it would be a significant blow to the Mavs' bench. He played a vital role in helping Dallas advance to the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season. Exum was a terrific 3-point shooter, shooting 49.1 percent in his first year with the team. Defensively, he did a great job locking down perimeter shooters, as his energy and hustle also stood out.
Mavericks should replace Dante Exum with Lonzo Ball
It's clear, though, why Dallas may stray away from re-signing Dante Exum. He played in just 20 games this past season, as Exum dealt with a broken bone in his hand. If you recall, Exum missed the first 48 games after having right wrist surgery. He injured his right wrist during training camp when he dunked the ball at an awkward angle.
Back in March, things got worse for Exum when he broke a bone in his left hand. He was expected to be out for the remainder of the season, but made an unexpected return on April 11.
Injuries are nothing new, as Exum missed most of January and February during the 2023-24 season with knee and foot ailments. He played in just 55 games that season, as he failed to see time on the court. It's clear why Dallas could be headed in a different direction with him.
So with Exum and the Mavs parting ways, Dallas needs a point guard to help the show. One possible candidate to replace Exum is Lonzo Ball. His experience at the point guard could be the perfect ingredient for a team desperately needing a guard. Dallas has expressed interest in trading for Ball, and there are reasons why Dallas should acquire him.
For starters, Ball has a high IQ for the game. He does a great job setting up his teammates for easy passes and can make difficult passes look like a piece of cake. Ball especially excels in transition. He lets the game come to him and can develop plays on the spot. This is the exact player Dallas needs, as they will have Cooper Flagg joining a team full of stars like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and P.J. Washington.
Ball is also a terrific shooter and defender. In his first season with the Chicago Bulls, he shot 42.3 percent from the 3-point line and averaged 13 points per game. He converted 40 percent of his attempted 3-pointers in the last three games for the Bulls. If Ball can shoot at a consistent level, then this could work in Dallas' favor, as Exum struggled to find a clear rhythm.
On the defensive end, Ball is a menace. He can guard anyone from one to three spots, as he can use his size to his advantage. Ball can use his high IQ and wingspan to cut off passing lanes. He has a career average of 1.5 steals per game. This is something that greatly benefits the Mavs, as they ranked in the bottom 10 in steals per game.
The only risky side to trading for Ball is his lengthy injury history. He missed all of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons with knee problems. Ball made a brief return this past season before suffering a wrist sprain on February 28. He would be sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Ball, though, now seems ready to make a return, as he is set to have a regular offseason. He even stated that this offseason could be the first in a long time that things are "gonna be normal." Ball even outlined how his knee is feeling better and that his wrist injury was nothing too serious, and he won't need surgery. This is good news for the Mavs, as they are going to need healthy guards next season.
So, in reality, it makes sense why Dallas should trade for Lonzo Ball. He would be an upgrade from Dante Exum and could be a perfect facilitator for the team if he stays healthy. Fans hope Ball wouldn't cost too much if Dallas were to trade for him. All that's left is for Mavs' management to work their magic this offseason.
