As Brandon Williams draws interest from rival contenders, Dallas targets a defensive upgrade and perimeter threat to bolster its bench through a low-risk trade for the young guard.
The Dallas Mavericks want Brandon Williams back. He's been with the franchise since signing a two-way deal in December of 2023 — but his time with the Mavericks may be coming to a close.
Per Kevin Gray Jr., the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are all "expected" to show interest in the 26-year-old.
READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks 2026 NBA Free Agent Tracker
If Williams does depart Dallas, his replacement could already be lined up.
The Mavericks are considered to be the "leading suitor" to acquire Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser via trade. A 2023 first-round draft choice, Sasser has seen his opportunities decrease each year he's been in the league.
St. John's product Daniss Jenkins broke out for Detroit this past season, and his emergence likely played a major role in making Sasser expendable.
If Dallas' goal is to replace Williams, Sasser would be a great option. He'd be cheap ... likely not commanding more than a couple of second-rounders ... and would effectively fill the same role Williams did.
Each is listed at 6-foot-1 and operates as an undersized combo guard rather than a lead facilitator who provides a boost off the bench.
However, their playstyles do differ, and Sasser's may be better suited for what Dusty May and the Mavericks will be trying to execute.
Williams is more of a microwave scorer. He thrives attacking downhill and creating offense with the ball in his hands. He's a better shot creator than Sasser, but his outside shot remains inconsistent — as evidenced by the 23.2% clip he shot from three this past season.
Sasser, on the other hand, may be more of a fit in Dallas.
Ironically, the same year Williams was abysmal from deep coincided with Sasser's best perimeter-shooting season as a pro. He connected on 41.5% of his 2.8 attempts per game, potentially providing the Mavericks with more three-point shooting off the bench.
Sasser has already shown he can thrive alongside a ball-dominant lead guard like Cade Cunningham, making the transition to playing alongside Kyrie Irving or Cooper Flagg a natural fit.
Plus, Sasser is a significantly better defender than Williams — despite the small frame.
Now, he's not going to be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate by any means, but Sasser did put together an illustrious college career at Houston, a program known for having one of the most elite and suffocating defenses in all of college basketball.
If Williams ends up walking, Sasser would give new team president Masai Ujiri a low-risk, high-upside replacement for one of Dallas' most valuable reserve guards.
