The Dallas Mavericks are exploring options to replace injured star Kyrie Irving, focusing on acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday to sustain their championship aspirations. Reports published on Monday indicate the Mavericks are investigating possible trade scenarios to obtain Holiday from the Boston Celtics, despite significant financial and contract challenges.
Holiday, a six-time NBA All-Defensive team member, carries three years and $104 million remaining on his Celtics contract, complicating any trade pursuit. Although his offensive production has dipped due to injuries, his championship experience and defensive skillset make him an appealing candidate to fill Irving’s role on the court.
Why Jrue Holiday Suits Mavericks’ Present and Future Plans
Holiday’s versatility as both an on-ball and off-ball player provides a strategic fit for Dallas, whether or not Irving returns soon from his ACL tear. His defensive prowess addresses a current weakness in the Mavericks’ lineup, which has been a notable factor since Irving’s injury. The team’s executive leadership has emphasized defense as a crucial element for sustained success.
Having won championships with two different teams—the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics—Holiday brings proven playoff resilience. This background enhances his value to Dallas, which is poised to contend with a roster anchored by Irving, young draft pick Flagg, and seasoned forward Anthony Davis.
Limited payroll flexibility poses a challenge for Dallas, as they anticipate operating as an apron team this season. Flagg’s rookie contract, combined with a potential $43 million player option for Irving, elevates the team’s salary commitments beyond the NBA’s apron thresholds. This restricts roster construction, notably limiting opportunities to string together multiple players in trades, a difficulty the Celtics are also confronting.
Mavericks Prioritize Adding a Starting-Caliber Point Guard
Sources indicate the Mavericks are prioritizing acquiring a reliable point guard through trade or free agency to compensate for Irving’s absence. NBA insider Shams Charania shared updates from the NBA Draft Combine, emphasizing the urgency of this acquisition with Irving’s uncertain timeline for return, potentially as late as January.
“I’m told the Mavericks will be pursuing a point guard, whether that’s in the trade market, or in free agency. That’s a big priority for them. Kyrie Irving is targeting potentially sometime in January to make his return. We’ll see which point guard they can have as a plug-and-play for them.” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Given Dallas’s limited cap room, trades appear to be the most viable method for adding a starting-level point guard. Charania further noted the Mavericks have tradable contracts and intend to bolster the roster meaningfully.
“They’re going to have, they do have tradable contracts. I think they are going to look to add to that team in a very meaningful way.” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
The Mavericks plan to center their rebuilding efforts around Irving, Flagg, and Davis, aiming to optimize their core lineup. The arrival of the rookie Flagg has also raised questions about veteran forward PJ Washington’s place in the franchise, with Washington eligible for a lucrative contract extension that could make him a significant trade asset.
Examining Free Agent Options for Point Guard
In addition to trades, Dallas could pursue free-agent point guards using mechanisms like the veteran’s minimum or the taxpayer midlevel exception. However, the availability of these financial tools depends heavily on the management of Irving’s and Washington’s contracts.
Among notable free agents, Fred VanVleet remains financially out of reach for Dallas, with a hefty $44.9 million team option likely to keep him in Houston. Meanwhile, players such as Chris Paul, D’Angelo Russell, Malcolm Brogdon, Tre Jones, Gary Payton II, and Spencer Dinwiddie represent the Mavericks’ realistic free-agent pool for adding backcourt talent.
With numerous decisions to make this summer, general manager Nico Harrison faces critical choices to balance salary constraints and competitive aspirations, as the team navigates rebuilding efforts while staying in contention.