The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with high hopes and a championship-or-bust mentality. But those aspirations have taken an early hit due to the health concerns surrounding Kyrie Irving. With Irving expected to miss the start of the season due to lingering injury issues, the Mavericks’ front office is reportedly exploring temporary solutions to fill the void left by their star point guard. Among the most intriguing options on the table is future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. According to league sources, the Mavericks are seriously considering signing Paul using the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (TPMLE) in what would be a bold and calculated move aimed at maintaining momentum in the absence of Irving.
The idea of bringing in Chris Paul to help stabilize the backcourt isn’t as far-fetched as it might have seemed a few years ago. While Paul is no longer the elite two-way floor general he once was, he remains one of the most cerebral players in the league. His ability to organize an offense, manage tempo, and control late-game possessions could be exactly what Dallas needs to stay afloat while Kyrie recovers. At 40 years old, Paul is not going to log 35 minutes per game, nor will he light up the scoreboard on a nightly basis. But what he does bring is consistency, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game—all traits that are especially valuable to a Mavericks team that often finds itself heavily reliant on Luka Dončić for offensive creation.
The fit between Paul and Dončić would be fascinating to watch unfold. Both are ball-dominant guards with high basketball IQs, and while that could create some overlap, it also presents opportunities for synergistic play. Chris Paul’s ability to run the offense during Dončić’s rest periods would give the Mavericks a more stable and effective second unit, something they have lacked in recent seasons. Meanwhile, when both are on the floor, Paul’s willingness to play off the ball—as he showed in stretches with James Harden and Devin Booker in years past—could open up creative options for head coach Jason Kidd. The challenge would lie in balancing the touches and responsibilities, but with Paul’s experience and maturity, it’s not an insurmountable hurdle.
Financially, the use of the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception is a strategic move. The TPMLE allows teams over the salary cap to sign a player to a one-year deal worth just under $7 million, and while that may seem like a modest salary for someone of Chris Paul’s stature, it aligns with his current market value given his age and recent performance. After an up-and-down season with the Golden State Warriors, Paul is no longer commanding eight-figure annual salaries. But he’s still seen as someone who can contribute meaningfully in the right role. For the Mavericks, that role would be as a stabilizer, mentor, and short-term starter until Irving returns. For Paul, it could represent a final chance to compete for a championship with a team that has legitimate title aspirations.
From a roster construction perspective, Dallas has flexibility, but not a lot of time. The team needs to ensure that the early part of the season doesn’t sink their playoff hopes, especially in the hyper-competitive Western Conference. Signing Paul gives them a veteran stopgap who can help navigate tough early-season stretches and prevent Luka from being overworked. One of the recurring concerns for the Mavericks has been Dončić’s workload, particularly during stretches when Irving has been unavailable. Paul could relieve some of that pressure by allowing Dončić to play more off the ball and conserve energy for late-game situations.
Moreover, Paul’s presence would be particularly valuable for the Mavericks’ younger players, including Jaden Hardy and Josh Green. As a mentor, Paul has a strong track record of helping younger guards develop. His experience and approach to preparation could help instill good habits in Dallas’ backcourt prospects, even if he’s only around for a few months. His leadership qualities, professionalism, and reputation for maximizing team structure make him an asset in any locker room, even as his on-court production diminishes.
There’s also a public relations dimension to this move. Mavericks fans have grown increasingly restless with the team’s inability to advance deep into the playoffs despite having one of the league’s most transcendent stars in Luka Dončić. The acquisition of Kyrie Irving generated buzz but also skepticism, particularly due to Irving’s availability concerns. Bringing in Chris Paul, even on a short-term basis, sends a message to the fan base that the front office is serious about maintaining competitiveness at all costs. It’s a win-now move designed to sustain momentum and avoid slipping in the standings before the team is back at full strength.
That said, this move would not be without risks. Paul’s durability is an ongoing concern. Over the past few seasons, he’s missed significant time due to various injuries, and expecting him to carry a heavy load—even temporarily—could be unrealistic. There’s also the issue of diminishing returns. While Paul can still orchestrate an offense, his ability to defend at a high level has waned. In a Western Conference loaded with explosive guard play, Dallas would need to mask some of his deficiencies on the defensive end, potentially by pairing him with stronger perimeter defenders like Derrick Jones Jr. or using zone coverage schemes.
Another consideration is the eventual transition when Kyrie Irving returns. Would Paul accept being relegated to a backup role or even receiving DNP-CDs (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision)? While Paul has shown some humility in his later years, the shift from temporary starter to low-minute bench player could create awkward moments unless managed delicately by the coaching staff. Communication and clear expectations would be essential to avoid any locker room friction.
Timing will also be crucial. If the Mavericks are going to make this move, it needs to happen before training camp or at the latest, during the early weeks of the season. Integrating a player like Chris Paul into an offensive system takes time, and the sooner he’s brought in, the sooner he can build chemistry with Dončić and the rest of the roster. Delaying the decision could lead to a rough start that even Paul may not be able to salvage.
Assuming the deal gets done, this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. For Dallas, it’s a short-term insurance policy with long-term upside if Paul’s mentorship and leadership have a positive trickle-down effect. For Paul, it’s a chance to compete for a title, stay involved with a high-profile team, and potentially end his career on a high note. While he has expressed interest in retiring soon, the allure of helping a contender in a meaningful way could reignite his competitive fire.
In the end, the Mavericks are navigating a delicate situation. They have a generational talent in Luka Dončić who needs support to avoid burnout. They have a co-star in Kyrie Irving whose availability remains in question. And they’re operating under the pressures of a fan base and ownership group hungry for playoff success. Signing Chris Paul with the TPMLE is not a long-term solution, but it’s a savvy short-term maneuver that could pay dividends in terms of team cohesion, game management, and organizational stability.
The move also reflects a broader shift in how teams are viewing aging stars. Rather than asking them to be saviors, franchises are learning to utilize their skills in more specialized roles. If used wisely, Paul’s floor generalship, mid-range shot making, and late-game execution could be the difference between a strong start and another disappointing stretch that leaves Dallas playing catch-up. For a team with championship aspirations, that margin is everything.
