Dallas navigates Kyrie Irving's absence by eyeing depth behind D’Angelo Russell. Re-signing Dante Exum on a veteran minimum would push Dallas above the second tax apron, so the team is weighing trades for Olivier-Maxence Prosper or Jaden Hardy. If those talks stall, Dallas could waive and stretch a player to clear space by Friday’s 5 PM ET deadline. The next 24 hours will determine whether Exum returns or the Mavericks pivot toward a new depth plan.