The Dallas Mavericks will have four players hit free agency this summer, and one move must be made before the summer ends.
The Dallas Mavericks, after a horrific 2025-26 season, don't really need to make any drastic moves this summer to return to relevancy. Between Cooper Flagg's inevitable improvement, the return of Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II, and the addition of a lottery pick in the draft, the Mavericks should be back and better sooner rather than later.
Of course, the draft won't be the only saving grace. Between Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Dwight Powell, and Brandon Williams, Dallas has over $40 million coming off the books. Powell should be offered a new contract, and Williams has played his way into a standard deal.
Bagley and Middleton both came to Dallas by way of the Washington Wizards in exchange for Anthony Davis, and while the two provided some solid minutes down the stretch, neither is expected to be a long-term piece.
However, the Mavericks would be smart to extend Bagley II an offer and at least attempt to bring him back to Dallas.
Why Mavs Should Sign Marvin Bagley III
In 22 games with the Mavs, Bagley III averaged 11 points and 6.8 rebounds, all while being one of the better rim protectors on the roster.
Heading into the offseason, Daniel Gafford has trade value, and Lively II hasn't exactly cemented himself as a reliable, healthy player. Is Bagley III the type of player Dallas can build around? No, but he is a stop-gap solution who can hold down the paint while Flagg and Irving run the offense.
A journeyman since being drafted in 2018, Bagley III had nothing but good things to say about his first impressions in Dallas.
"From day one, the coaching staff and my teammates welcomed me and kind of got me up to speed on things and how we like to play, so it was great,” Bagley said. “I just tried to do my part to help the team in positive ways, and I enjoyed it.”
Assuming the Mavericks trade one (or two) of Gafford, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall, having a hard-nosed, defensive-minded veteran on the roster is a must. Bagley III won't command much, and with Middleton off the books, the Mavs will have the money to spend. They shouldn't break the bank, but a reasonable offer could go a long way.