With NBA free agency opening tomorrow, the Dallas Mavericks enter the market facing both urgency and opportunity. Kyrie Irving’s ACL reconstruction surgery leaves a significant void at point guard—at least for the first half of the season—and the Mavs will need a veteran presence to stabilize their backcourt rotation alongside Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis.
Three names stand out as intriguing stopgap options: Chris Paul, D’Angelo Russell, and Dennis Schröder. Each offers something unique in terms of play style, leadership, and fit. Here’s how they stack up for Dallas:
Chris Paul – The Coach on the Court
There’s no mistaking what Chris Paul brings to any team. Even at 39, he remains one of the smartest floor generals in basketball history.
- Play Style: Methodical, surgical playmaker. He can elevate second units, control tempo, and turn chaos into order.
- Leadership: Paul is one of the most respected veterans in the league. His presence alone commands accountability.
- Why Dallas? The Mavericks need someone who can run the offense, groom younger guards, and take pressure off the stars. Paul checks all those boxes.
While CP3 chose to sign with the San Antonio Spurs last offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers—a franchise he helped elevate during the Lob City era—did express interest in bringing him back. The interest he continues to receive speaks to the respect he’s earned across the league.
The biggest question remains location. Paul has made it known he’d prefer to be closer to Los Angeles, but if he’s open to one last playoff run in a system that values IQ and spacing, Dallas could make a compelling pitch.
D’Angelo Russell – The Scorer with a Familiar Touch
D’Angelo Russell is a fascinating case. He told me during the season how much he loved being back in Brooklyn—his connection to the city and that franchise is real. But the Nets drafting Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf, and Egor Demin this week adds a new layer.
Brooklyn clearly has its eyes on development and upside. That makes me wonder: would Russell, a former All-Star now in his prime, be comfortable taking on the role of veteran mentor for a team that seems to be rebuilding on the fly?
- Play Style: Smooth, offensive-minded combo guard. Dangerous in pick-and-roll, confident off the dribble, and creative with the ball.
- Leadership: Not vocal, but poised and reliable. Would benefit from playing alongside seasoned vets like Thompson and Davis.
- Why Dallas? Russell brings instant offense and a familiarity with winning environments. He’s played with Anthony Davis before, which would ease chemistry and integration. In many ways, he’s the best stylistic bridge until Kyrie returns.
Dennis Schröder – High-Energy X-Factor
Dennis Schröder has built his value on effort, grit, and pace. He’s a guy who brings juice every night—whether starting or coming off the bench. Dennis Schröder has a previous relationship with both Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and All-Star forward Anthony Davis, dating back to their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020–21 season.
Schröder served as the team’s point guard that year, while Davis—despite battling injuries—remained a central figure on the roster. Jason Kidd was an assistant coach on Frank Vogel’s staff during that same season. It was also Kidd’s final year with the Lakers before he was hired as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
Though that Lakers squad faced its share of struggles, the familiarity between Schröder, Davis, and Kidd could offer Dallas an added layer of trust and continuity if the team were to pursue him in free agency.
Contrary to popular belief, Schröder and Kyrie Irving have no ill feelings toward each other. There’s a belief around the league that the two—despite their on-court clash a few years back—can co-exist just fine. Even with Kyrie on the mend, adding Schröder now wouldn’t be viewed as a conflict, but rather a move to bolster depth and pace.
The Kings and Heat have been mentioned in connection to Schröder, so Dallas may need to act fast if they view him as a fit.
Final Verdict: Who’s the Best Fit?
If Dallas is aiming for long-term chemistry and immediate impact, D’Angelo Russell makes the most sense. He can handle starting responsibilities now and potentially remain a key rotation piece even when Kyrie returns.
Chris Paul is a Hall of Fame-caliber safety net; if he’s open to Texas.
Dennis Schröder offers energy and insurance, especially if Dallas wants to stay quick and aggressive while navigating Kyrie’s absence.
No matter the direction, the goal is clear: maintain momentum, preserve roster cohesion, and hold the ship steady until one of the league’s most gifted offensive creators makes his return. These three names could help the Mavericks do exactly that.
