Dallas may need backcourt help this summer, and several intriguing free agent guards could fit alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.
The Dallas Mavericks hold the No. 9 pick in June, but if they go in a different direction at that spot, whether selecting a wing, adding frontcourt depth or trading the pick entirely, addressing the backcourt in free agency could become the organization’s top offseason priority.
With Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL and Max Christie already under contract, Dallas still needs reliable guard depth and additional scoring behind its current core. The non taxpayer midlevel exception, projected around $15 million, gives the Mavericks a legitimate pathway to pursue impact talent.
Here are three names worth monitoring this summer.
Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton enters unrestricted free agency after finishing last season with the Chicago Bulls following a midseason trade from Charlotte. At 27 years old, he remains firmly in his prime and may be the most attainable option on the market for Dallas.
Before his role diminished late in the season, Sexton averaged more than 18 points per game in consecutive years with Utah. Even in a reduced role split between Charlotte and Chicago, he still produced 14.2 points in only 22 minutes per game while maintaining strong efficiency.
Sexton has now shot at least 39% from 3 point range in four straight seasons, giving him real value both on and off the ball. His ability to attack the rim, create offense and provide instant scoring punch makes him an ideal complementary option next to Irving and Cooper Flagg.
A short term deal in the $12 million to $15 million range would fit cleanly into Dallas’ midlevel exception and could benefit both sides.
Ayo Dosunmu
Ayo Dosunmu may be the most compelling realistic target available.
The 26 year old guard elevated his reputation significantly during Minnesota’s 2026 playoff run, including a stunning 43 point performance on 13 of 17 shooting in Game 4 against Denver. His postseason emergence turned him into one of the summer’s most intriguing free agents.
Dosunmu set career highs across multiple categories this season while continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s better two way guards. He does not require heavy on ball usage to impact games, defends multiple positions and has proven capable of taking over offensively when needed.
Financially, Dallas could still remain competitive. Reports suggest that if Dosunmu leaves Minnesota using the non taxpayer midlevel exception, the maximum deal structure would be four years worth approximately $64.7 million. After his playoff breakout, that figure may represent only the starting point of negotiations.
Still, his age, versatility and fit alongside Flagg make him one of the cleanest roster matches available.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves represents the dream scenario. He also may be completely unrealistic.
Reaves is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency as the top guard on the market. Before suffering an injury in April, he averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field.
League executives reportedly expect Reaves to command a contract approaching $40 million annually, with a four year deal potentially nearing $160 million. The Lakers can also offer significantly more years and total money than Dallas can realistically match.
The Mavericks would likely need a perfect storm to become serious contenders for Reaves. That scenario would require Los Angeles hesitating at his asking price while Reaves simultaneously deciding he wants a different long term fit.
From a basketball standpoint, though, the appeal is obvious. Reaves is a 27 year old guard capable of creating offense, spacing the floor, playing off the ball and defending competently alongside larger playmakers. Pairing him with Flagg would give Dallas another high level offensive connector capable of fitting nearly any lineup combination.
The odds remain slim. But after Dallas already defied expectations once by landing Cooper Flagg through the lottery, it would be difficult to completely dismiss another unexpected swing this offseason.
