The Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal juncture in the 2025 NBA offseason. With Kyrie Irving expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season due to injury, the front office is now exploring options to fill the void left by his absence. The team is expected to utilize its \$5.7 million mid-level exception (MLE) to target a veteran guard who can not only provide steady leadership but also complement Luka Dončić in the backcourt. Among the names currently being floated are Chris Paul, Dennis Schröder, D’Angelo Russell, and Malcolm Brogdon. Each player presents a different blend of skill sets, experience, and locker room dynamics that could shape the Mavericks’ short-term strategy and postseason aspirations.
Chris Paul, despite his age and recent decline in physical explosiveness, remains one of the smartest and most respected floor generals in the game. His presence on the court still commands attention, not because he’s a high-octane scorer, but because of the way he orchestrates offenses, reads defenses, and provides structure. Paul’s leadership could be invaluable for a team that has often lacked consistency when Dončić sits. While he wouldn’t be expected to log heavy minutes or carry the scoring load, his ability to manage pace and facilitate would allow Dončić to play off-ball more, potentially reducing wear and tear. Paul’s biggest question mark is durability—at 40, his body is not what it once was, and he’s dealt with recurring injuries over the past few seasons. But if Dallas is looking for a stabilizer, someone who can guide the second unit or even serve as a stopgap starter, Paul might be the most cerebral choice available.
Dennis Schröder brings a different profile entirely. At 31, he’s still a speedy, attack-minded guard with the ability to pressure defenses with his penetration and energy. Schröder’s defense has improved in recent years, especially during international play where he’s led Germany with pride and poise. Unlike Paul, Schröder is more of a score-first guard, although he has shown he can run an offense in short bursts. His fit next to Dončić is debatable—both need the ball in their hands to be most effective—but in Kyrie’s absence, Schröder could play a crucial role as a second-unit catalyst or temporary starter. The advantage of signing Schröder is that he comes with less injury risk and offers a high motor that’s infectious on both ends. He may not have the same calming presence as Paul, but he offers tenacity, speed, and a willingness to take big shots—traits that often go overlooked during the grind of an 82-game season.
D’Angelo Russell is perhaps the most polarizing name on the Mavericks’ shortlist. At 29, Russell is still in his prime and has shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer and playmaker. However, consistency and defensive engagement have always been issues. His offensive skill set is undeniable—he can shoot from deep, create his own shot, and find open teammates with flashy passes. But he’s also prone to lapses in judgment and can disappear in big moments. The question for Dallas is whether they believe Russell’s upside outweighs the volatility. He would theoretically provide a seamless scoring punch in Kyrie’s absence, and his ability to take over stretches of games could prove vital in tight matchups. What complicates the equation is whether Russell would accept a short-term, lower-cost role via the MLE, or whether he sees himself as a full-time starter commanding more money and more touches. If he’s willing to buy into a team-first culture and be a complementary piece to Dončić, this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement. If not, the risk of chemistry issues could outweigh the benefits.
Malcolm Brogdon rounds out the list as perhaps the most balanced and versatile option. A true combo guard, Brogdon can shoot, defend, pass, and most importantly, adapt. His basketball IQ is high, and he’s used to playing within structured systems. Brogdon won Sixth Man of the Year not too long ago and has shown he can thrive both as a starter and off the bench. Injuries have been a concern throughout his career, but when healthy, he brings a dependable two-way presence that coaches love. For the Mavericks, he could slot in next to Dončić seamlessly or lead the second unit without much drop-off in efficiency. Brogdon doesn’t need the ball constantly to be effective, which makes him a more natural fit alongside Luka’s heliocentric style of play. Furthermore, his unselfishness and professionalism could make him a glue guy in the locker room, something this Mavericks team sorely needs with Irving sidelined and Dončić shouldering much of the team’s leadership burden.
The decision Dallas faces is more than just who fills the stat sheet. This is about culture, balance, and future flexibility. With the MLE being their primary tool in free agency due to cap limitations, they need to make this move count. Each of the four guards mentioned offers a compelling case, but none are perfect. Chris Paul offers wisdom and poise, but his durability and age raise red flags. Dennis Schröder brings speed and defensive energy, but lacks the consistent decision-making needed to run an offense full-time. D’Angelo Russell is the most explosive scorer, yet his inconsistency and poor defense could undo his value. Malcolm Brogdon is perhaps the safest choice, but he also comes with an injury history and may not be as flashy or exciting as the others.
Luka Dončić is the centerpiece of the franchise and the clock is ticking. While he is still young, the urgency to capitalize on his prime years is growing. Last season’s playoff run reignited belief in the team’s long-term potential, but the margin for error in the West is razor thin. Losing Irving, even temporarily, is a blow to their offensive firepower. The Mavs need someone who can hold down the fort without derailing their chemistry or overcomplicating rotations. The right guard acquisition must blend into the system, elevate role players, and give Dončić moments to rest without a major drop in quality. If they miss on this, they risk falling behind in a hyper-competitive Western Conference that features no shortage of elite backcourts.
Another aspect that makes this decision more complex is what comes after Irving returns. Will the MLE guard be content taking a backseat once Kyrie is back? Or would this move create a new rotation logjam, potentially causing friction? Chris Paul might be the easiest to manage in that regard—he’s at a stage in his career where mentoring and leadership take precedence over minutes. Brogdon too could accept a more limited role if the team is winning. Russell and Schröder, however, may not adjust as easily to reduced usage, especially if they’ve played well in Kyrie’s absence. That’s why the front office must not only assess the short-term impact of this signing but also forecast the long-term implications on team chemistry and role clarity.
There’s also the issue of financial flexibility. The MLE is one of the few tools the Mavericks can use to acquire talent without executing a trade. Given that Dončić’s max contract continues to eat up a massive portion of the cap, and Irving’s deal is also hefty, Dallas must be prudent. Any misstep could lock them into a contract that hampers future moves. That’s why a short-term deal—perhaps one year with a player option—might be the ideal route. It gives the player a chance to prove their worth while allowing the Mavs to reassess their situation next summer without long-term consequences. Veteran guards like Paul or Brogdon might be more amenable to such a setup, whereas younger or more in-demand players like Russell could be seeking longer-term security.
In the end, the Mavs have to weigh experience, fit, health, and ego. They don’t need a superstar—they need a steady hand, someone who can keep the ship afloat while Kyrie heals, and then gracefully transition to a supporting role. It’s a delicate balance to strike, but the right choice could define their season. Whether it’s the mind of Chris Paul, the energy of Dennis Schröder, the flash of D’Angelo Russell, or the balance of Malcolm Brogdon, the Mavs are on the clock—and the Western Conference won’t wait.
