RealGM

With the Dallas Mavericks opening up the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, they are expected to target a veteran point guard. Dennis Schroder, D'Angelo Russell, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon are potential targets the Mavericks plan to pursue in free agency.

The salary flexibility was created by Kyrie Irving opting out of his $43 million player option and agreeing to a three-year, $119 million contract. Irving is expected to return as early as January 2026, necessitating the Mavericks acquiring a point guard to navigate the early part of the season.

Schroder averaged 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 75 games across the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons.

Russell averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 58 games with the Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. 

Paul appeared in all 82 games with the San Antonio Spurs where he averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.

Brogdon averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in just 24 games with the Washington Wizards. 

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

Schroeder, please

I always say give me the most competitive guy. I think thats Paul but because of his age - Dennis might have the slight advantage.

1. Dennis S - slight edge because of age and competitiveness ...and he can easily go back and forth from starter, 6th man, and hes a natural competitor.
2. Chris Paul / Brandon Williams (share time and learning from him)
3. Malcolm Brogdon - i like his overall game and his consistency on both ends - and his compeitiveness and he will cause less friction with attitude
4. D Angelo Russell (tho he is can very good on offense, his competitiveness isnt always there and i prefer guys who bring it, u give me a team of guys like that - ala OKC, you got a better chance of winning...so he would be my last choice for that reason)