NBA free agency has kicked off, and the Dallas Mavericks are making bold moves to fill key gaps in their roster. After losing star guard Kyrie Irving due to ACL surgery that will keep him sidelined for several months, the Mavericks swiftly signed veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $13 million deal. Russell, a former All-Star, was acquired to provide experienced playmaking and facilitate the Mavericks' offense during Irving's absence. With a solid average of 12.6 points and 5.1 assists in his last season, Russell brings much-needed depth to a team that is already stacked in the frontcourt.

The Mavericks still face questions about their free agents, with Spencer Dinwiddie, who averaged 11 points, and Dante Exum, who has struggled with injuries, both entering free agency. Dallas used its mid-level exception effectively to secure Russell, demonstrating a keen eye on the financial landscape as the salary cap for the 2025-26 season is set at $154.647 million. As free agency unfolds, the Mavericks aim to maintain competitive momentum even in the wake of significant injuries.