The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly preparing to make a savvy offseason move as they explore signing veteran point guard Chris Paul using the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception. This strategic decision comes amid uncertainty surrounding Kyrie Irving’s health, as the franchise looks to bolster its backcourt with experienced leadership and floor generalship in the interim. Paul, an all-time great and one of the most cerebral point guards in NBA history, could bring the perfect combination of veteran savvy, on-court intelligence, and locker room stability that the Mavericks need to maintain momentum in a loaded Western Conference. With the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception at their disposal—roughly valued at just over \$5 million annually—Dallas is aiming to maximize value by targeting one of the league’s most accomplished yet still available playmakers.
Chris Paul’s potential addition to the Mavericks could mark one of the most intriguing storylines of the NBA offseason. After a turbulent season with the Golden State Warriors that saw his role shift between starting and coming off the bench, Paul finds himself once again at a career crossroads. At 39 years old, Paul remains highly effective when healthy, possessing a sharp basketball IQ, elite passing skills, and a knack for controlling the tempo of the game. While he’s no longer the 20-and-10 machine from his days with the New Orleans Hornets or Los Angeles Clippers, his presence alone commands respect and elevates the play of those around him. For a Mavericks squad looking to compete deep into the playoffs, adding Paul could provide the steady hand they need during Kyrie Irving’s absence.
The idea of Chris Paul in a Mavericks uniform would have seemed improbable in past years given his long history of battles against Dallas, most notably during his time with the Clippers and Rockets. But time and circumstances change everything. The Mavericks are now one of the league’s most compelling contenders, anchored by the brilliance of Luka Dončić and the offensive firepower of Kyrie Irving—when healthy. Irving’s lingering health issues, however, have forced Dallas to rethink its point guard depth. With the Western Conference becoming more competitive by the year, the Mavericks can’t afford to waste time or take risks with an unproven backup. Enter Chris Paul, whose experience and high-level basketball mind could make him the ideal stopgap—and possibly more.
Paul’s ability to manage games, initiate offense, and organize teammates on both ends of the floor fits seamlessly into the Mavericks’ needs. While Dončić shoulders the bulk of the offensive creation, Paul could allow Luka to play more off the ball and conserve energy during stretches of the regular season. Additionally, Paul’s unselfish style of play aligns with head coach Jason Kidd’s emphasis on ball movement and high basketball IQ. Kidd, himself a Hall of Fame point guard, understands the value of having a veteran like Paul who can not only lead on the court but also mentor younger players such as Jaden Hardy and Dereck Lively II. The synergy between Kidd and Paul could be a critical element in maximizing the Mavericks’ system during Irving’s absence.
Financially, the move also makes sense. The Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception is one of the few tools that luxury-tax-paying teams like Dallas can use to add meaningful depth. At around \$5.2 million, it’s a modest figure considering Chris Paul’s stature, but one that might make sense for the 12-time All-Star if he prioritizes a meaningful role on a competitive team over a bigger payday. The Mavericks can offer both. Paul would likely have the opportunity to start in Irving’s absence and potentially close games even after Kyrie returns, depending on health, matchups, and late-game situations. More importantly, Dallas presents a real chance at competing for a championship—a goal that has eluded Paul throughout his storied career.
Of course, there are risks. Paul’s own injury history is extensive. He has struggled with durability, especially in the postseason, where untimely injuries have derailed title hopes with multiple franchises. Banking on a 39-year-old to carry significant minutes early in the season is far from ideal. However, if the Mavericks can manage Paul’s minutes and workload properly, much like the Warriors tried to do, they might be able to squeeze just enough high-level performance from the veteran to justify the investment. Paul’s basketball mind remains sharp, and his leadership could help the Mavericks avoid early-season stumbles as they await Kyrie’s return to full health.
Moreover, the locker room dynamic would be fascinating. Chris Paul has had a reputation for being a demanding teammate, sometimes clashing with stars who don’t share his obsessive commitment to detail and execution. How Paul and Dončić would mesh could be one of the most interesting subplots. Luka is famously competitive and thrives with the ball in his hands, but he also understands the importance of having trusted allies who can shoulder the burden and make winning plays. Paul’s arrival might take some adjustment, but the potential benefits far outweigh the risks, especially given the low cost and short-term nature of the deal.
The Mavericks have also proven their willingness to take bold steps in pursuit of a championship. From acquiring Kyrie Irving despite his controversial past, to making key trades and signing role players that fit the team’s evolving identity, Dallas has not shied away from high-risk, high-reward moves. Signing Paul fits that mold. It would not require giving up assets or sacrificing long-term flexibility. It simply requires a belief that Chris Paul still has something left in the tank and that his basketball brain can steer the ship through potentially turbulent waters.
It’s also worth noting that the Western Conference remains a gauntlet. Teams like Denver, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and the Clippers are reloading, while franchises such as Phoenix and the Lakers are expected to remain in the mix. Dallas can’t afford to start the season slowly or drop winnable games due to a lack of backcourt depth. Having Paul in the rotation from Day 1 could be a stabilizing force. He could orchestrate the offense when Dončić sits, guide the second unit, and provide valuable insurance should any other injuries occur. It’s the kind of depth move that championship-caliber teams make—not flashy, but deeply functional.
The move could also have long-term implications. If Paul thrives in Dallas and enjoys the experience, there could be interest in keeping him beyond the initial stint. While Kyrie Irving is under contract, the Mavericks could benefit from a three-headed guard rotation, similar to what Phoenix attempted with Paul, Booker, and Beal. Having Paul as a calming influence during high-leverage playoff moments could become invaluable. His decision-making, free-throw shooting, and experience in pressure moments could be the edge Dallas needs in a tight Game 7 or when facing elite defensive units.
Paul’s potential signing would also help elevate the franchise’s visibility and narrative entering next season. Media attention would follow, and Paul’s leadership would become a focal point of analysis. His presence on a Mavericks team hungry for a title would offer new storylines, from his possible final chance at glory to his mentorship of younger players and his chemistry with two of the league’s most dynamic offensive talents in Dončić and Irving. It’s a story that writes itself, one that NBA fans and analysts alike would follow closely throughout the season.
In the end, Dallas’ decision to pursue Chris Paul speaks volumes about its commitment to winning and its awareness of the window it currently has. Luka Dončić is in his prime. The team has made serious moves to become a perennial contender. But championship aspirations are fragile, and a single injury or misstep can derail even the most talented rosters. By exploring the addition of Paul, the Mavericks are preparing themselves for the long haul, ensuring they have enough veteran leadership, ball-handling depth, and playoff experience to weather storms and keep their eyes on the ultimate prize.
Chris Paul may no longer be the dominant force he once was, but his basketball acumen, professionalism, and ability to impact games without needing to score make him a worthwhile investment for a team with championship goals. For the Mavericks, the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception might be the key to unlocking one more deep playoff run—and maybe, just maybe, giving CP3 the elusive ring he has chased for nearly two decades. Only time will tell if the deal materializes, but the fit, logic, and upside are hard to ignore.
