Dallas Mavericks Target $177 Million All-Star for Potential Big 3 with Davis and Irving

Dallas Mavericks have recently been busy reshaping their roster, especially after trading Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. The team has also added Caleb Martin from the Philadelphia 76ers, although he has yet to play for Dallas. Despite these changes, the Mavericks are still looking for ways to strengthen their squad. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the team made a push to sign former All-Star Ben Simmons before he ultimately joined the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Mavericks showed significant interest in Simmons during the buyout market, viewing him as a potential small-ball center. His combination of playmaking and defensive versatility could have filled a crucial gap in Dallas’ roster after the departure of Dončić.

Although Simmons hasn’t been the player he once was with the Philadelphia 76ers, his ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate on offense made him an appealing option for the Mavericks.

However, financial constraints played a key role in Dallas’ inability to sign Simmons. Despite Davis waiving his trade kicker, the Mavericks were still within a narrow margin of the NBA’s luxury-tax apron, making it difficult to accommodate Simmons’ contract. This financial situation ultimately prevented them from adding the former All-Star to their lineup.

While missing out on Simmons is a setback, the Mavericks’ interest signals their intent to remain active in the buyout market. With the trade deadline now passed, the team will likely explore other options to bolster their roster for a postseason push. How successful they are will depend on which players become available in the coming weeks and how quickly they can integrate new talent into their system.

Simmons’ decision to sign with the Clippers sets up an intriguing possibility of a postseason clash between the two teams. If the Mavericks can stay healthy and make the right additions, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run and possibly return to the NBA Finals. Fans will be closely watching to see what moves the Mavericks make next.