The Dallas Mavericks are wasting no time after their NBA Finals defeat, turning the page with aggressive intent. With the bitter taste of falling just short still fresh, the Mavericks front office is reportedly eyeing former Warriors and Lakers guards in a calculated, high-reward free agency push. This isn’t just about filling out the roster — this is about retooling for a championship. Sources close to the team reveal that Dallas wants more firepower, more experience, and more grit on both ends of the floor. And they’re not just hunting for pieces — they’re targeting proven playoff performers who know what it takes to win.
While the Mavericks boast one of the league’s brightest stars in Luka Dončić and a revitalized Kyrie Irving, the need for backcourt depth, defense, and consistency off the bench was glaring during their playoff run. Enter the ex-Warriors and Lakers guards — players who’ve not only thrived under the playoff spotlight but also bring championship DNA and invaluable veteran presence to a hungry Mavericks team.
Among those on Dallas’s radar are names that NBA fans know well. Think defense-minded specialists, smart shot-makers, and guards who know how to complement stars. Some of these former Warriors and Lakers guards are hitting the open market after stints in systems that demanded elite basketball IQ and toughness. The Mavericks’ interest is more than logical — it’s strategic. These are players who have been molded in organizations where winning is expected, and that kind of culture is exactly what Dallas wants to instill deeper in its locker room.
In Golden State, guards like Gary Payton II, Donte DiVincenzo, and even the currently unrestricted Klay Thompson have shown how valuable two-way players can be in championship runs. Their ability to switch on defense, knock down timely threes, and make smart reads is something Dallas sorely lacked at times, especially when Luka was off the floor or facing double teams. Klay, despite being past his prime, still holds immense value as a floor spacer and vocal leader. Payton, though undersized, is a tenacious perimeter defender who changes the energy of a game with one steal or fast-break finish. DiVincenzo, currently with the Knicks but a former Warrior, showed last season that he can swing playoff games with his intensity and timely buckets. If any of them are available or interested, the Mavericks will be ready with offers.
Then there’s the Lakers angle. Austin Reaves, though unlikely to be pried away given his value to L.A., is someone Dallas has long admired. But there are others. Lonnie Walker IV, a former Laker who flashed real offensive upside in short bursts, could be a low-cost, high-reward signing. There’s also Malik Beasley, who had stretches with the Lakers where he looked like a microwave scorer capable of lighting up opposing benches. These are the kinds of guards who may not carry superstar status but bring dynamism and depth — traits that matter in a playoff series when rotations tighten and stars need support.
What Dallas needs is clear: perimeter defenders who can keep pressure off Dončić, knockdown shooters who can punish double teams, and guards who don’t disappear in big moments. The Mavericks’ front office knows that adding just one or two of these pieces could be the difference between another Finals loss and hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy next June.
The Mavericks are also keeping cap flexibility in mind. While chasing ex-Warriors and Lakers guards, they’re also monitoring the wider free agency landscape to find undervalued gems. They’ve been linked to veterans looking to win — players who might take a slight pay cut in exchange for a real shot at a ring. That gives Dallas a competitive edge, especially as teams like the Nuggets and Celtics face cap crunches of their own.
But there’s more. Behind the scenes, league insiders say Dallas has become an increasingly attractive destination. Luka’s superstardom, combined with the team’s recent Finals exposure and a state with no income tax, makes the Mavericks an ideal landing spot for veterans chasing legacy. That’s exactly why so many former championship contributors from teams like the Warriors and Lakers — where playing time might now be shrinking — are giving Dallas a serious look.
And make no mistake, Dallas isn’t just calling — they’re selling a vision. A vision of Luka running the show, with shooters and defenders surrounding him. A vision of a culture that values toughness, accountability, and versatility. A vision of finishing what they started last season.
The Mavericks know that winning a championship isn’t about just having stars — it’s about depth, chemistry, and readiness. It’s about guys who know their role and embrace it. Guys who don’t flinch when the lights are brightest. That’s why they’re looking at players who have been through deep playoff wars. These former Warriors and Lakers guards aren’t just names — they’re battle-tested warriors who know what it takes when the stakes are at their highest.
But what will it take to land them?
Money, of course, is a factor. The Mavericks will need to manage their cap carefully. If they’re targeting higher-profile names, they might need to shed contracts or get creative with sign-and-trade scenarios. One name that could be on the move to free up space is Tim Hardaway Jr., whose contract could be flipped to create room for more impactful pieces. There’s also the potential to include young assets or second-round picks to sweeten any deals. The front office has been aggressive before — they traded for Kyrie at a risky time — and they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger again if it means upgrading the roster.
Timing will also matter. Free agency moves fast, and the Mavericks will need to act quickly to secure their top targets before rival contenders swoop in. Teams like the Heat, Bucks, and even the Lakers themselves could be pursuing the same guards. But Dallas believes that its combination of rising status, star power, and playoff readiness makes it the most compelling option for ring-chasing veterans.
As free agency looms, one thing is certain: the Mavericks aren’t content with being runners-up. They’re not resting on a successful season. They’re pushing all their chips in — again — and betting that the right blend of experience, defense, and offensive pop from former Warriors and Lakers guards can be the final piece of their championship puzzle.
Luka Dončić, for all his brilliance, can’t do it alone. Neither can Kyrie, whose resurgence in Dallas has been one of the better redemption arcs in recent years. The NBA is too deep, too talented, too unpredictable. Injuries happen. Slumps hit. Rotations need reshuffling. The Mavericks understand this now more than ever. That’s why they’re chasing not just names, but identities. They want players who are fearless, battle-hardened, and ready to grind through an 82-game season and four grueling playoff rounds.
As the free agency frenzy draws near, fans in Dallas can expect fireworks. Whether it’s a savvy mid-tier signing or a splashy acquisition, the Mavericks are in go-mode. And if they get their targets — if they land the right mix of ex-Warriors and Lakers guards — the rest of the league better take notice.
Because Dallas isn’t just building a team. They’re building a legacy.
And this summer might be the moment it all changes.
