Report: Dallas Mavericks targeting pair of intriguing free agents

The Dallas Mavericks may not have the assets to enter many trade talks for top-tier players to pair with Luka Doncic and just re-signed Kyrie Irving right now, but they are still looking to make moves.

While the Mavericks’ priority has remained finding any method feasible to ensure Doncic believes the team can contend and, as a result, opts to re-sign, at least one of the two most recent names associated might tip the needle.

The Mavericks are reportedly interested in two restricted free agents, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line: Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams and Portland Trail Blazers wing Matisse Thybulle.

If Dallas makes a move for either of the two players, they must sign them to an offer sheet as soon as July 6. As Stein points out, the team’s interest in Williams and Thybulle matches with the team’s free agency thus far, which has featured lesser agreements such as adding Seth Curry, and Dante Exum, and bringing back Dwight Powell, in addition to the Irving acquisition.

Even if both Williams and Thybulle sign, the Mavericks’ roster in 2023 will be filled with uncertainty. Rookie center Dereck Lively has a lot of potentials, but it’s unclear how much of an effect he’ll be able to make in his debut NBA season and whether it’ll be enough to convince the team’s front office that they don’t need to trade for a center.

As things stand now if the Mavericks are unable to strike a deal for an immediate impact starting center, don’t be surprised if they are aggressive around this season’s trade deadline in an attempt to acquire one.