With Kyrie Irving expected to miss a significant part of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL, the Dallas Mavericks are actively searching for a starting-caliber point guard to help fill the void.
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are interested in acquiring Brooklyn Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell.
The former No. 2 overall pick was traded to the Nets from the Lakers last season, making his second stint with the franchise. During that time, he remained a reliable and steady hand for a Nets team that was playing for that finished 25-57 averaging 12.6 points and 5.1 assists on 39% from the field.
Stein says that the Mavs can make a run for Russell thanks to the flexibility created by Irving's new deal. The eight-time All-Star recently declined his $43 million player option for next season, opting to sign a three-year, $119 million contract.
Russell has put together a solid career, having made stops with the Lakers, Warriors, and Timberwolves, along with emerging as an all-star back during his first stint. His ability on the court would make him a suitable replacement for Irving as he recovers.
Adding a quality floor general point guard remains high on Mavericks Nico Harrison's priority list this offseason. They have a number of point guards who will enter this offseason as free agents, notably Spencer Dinwiddie and Dante Exum.
The Mavs would need someone to run their offense while Irving is still out to maximize their offense, especially as they integrate Duke star Cooper Flagg, who they are picking with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, alongside Anthony Davis, who remains one of the best players in the league.