The Dallas Mavericks are actively assessing multiple veteran point guard options this offseason, with trade and free agent targets including Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball, and Chris Paul, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein reported via his Substack that the Mavericks are “expected to at least explore” whether acquiring Holiday from the Boston Celtics is realistic despite the financial complexities of his contract.
Holiday, who turns 35 next month, is set to make $104 million over the next three seasons if he exercises his player option for 2027. He averaged 11.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 62 regular season games for Boston in 2024–25.
The Mavericks, who missed the playoffs after a disappointing Play-In Tournament exit, are seeking to stabilize their backcourt following a season-ending ACL tear suffered by Kyrie Irving in March.
Holiday’s postseason numbers dipped slightly to 9.5 points and 4 assists per game, but his defensive consistency and playoff experience remain valued across the league.
Dallas also remains intrigued by Ball, who played 35 games for Chicago after a prolonged injury layoff. Ball, 27, averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 34.4% from deep.
Ball will begin the first year of a two-year, $20 million contract next season and is viewed as a more financially manageable trade target for Dallas. The second year in his deal is a team option.
In addition, Chris Paul’s name has emerged in internal discussions. The 40-year-old point guard started all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists on 42.7% shooting.
Paul, now an unrestricted free agent, is coming off a one-year, $10.5 million deal and could be signed outright without giving up assets.
Dallas is coming off a tumultuous year marked by the controversial Luka Doncic trade and a wave of injuries that left the team depleted. They finished 39–43 and became the first team since 2020 to miss the playoffs a year after reaching the NBA Finals.
Despite their late-season collapse, the Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and now hold the No. 1 overall pick, widely expected to be used on projected top prospect Cooper Flagg.
Adding a veteran floor general could help ease the transition for a top rookie and offer stability alongside Anthony Davis and a recovering Irving.
Dallas must weigh financial implications carefully, as Holiday’s contract could limit future flexibility, while Ball’s injury history and Paul’s age carry their own risks.
Still, the front office, led by Nico Harrison, appears determined to reshape the roster quickly after what many analysts described as one of the most chaotic seasons in franchise history.
As the June 26 draft approaches and free agency looms, Dallas’ potential moves at point guard will be closely watched around the league.
