Examining Mavs' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2025 NBA Free Agency After Grizzlies Loss
One truly bizarre season is over for the Dallas Mavericks.
The reigning Western Conference champions began the 2024-25 campaign as NBA title hopefuls. However, a shocking trade near the deadline sent franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following that swapโand an immediate injury to Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the returnโthe Mavs stumbled. Kyrie Irving's season-ending knee injury only added to the troubles in March.
Ultimately, their confusing year ended with a 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies during the second game of the Play-In Tournament.
Next up, the offseasonโand potentially more significant changes.
Salary Cap
1 of 3
Dallas already has an expensive outlook in 2025-26.
As the offseason begins, according to HoopsHype, the Mavericks have $193.6 million committed to 12 players (plus JaVale McGee's dead money).
While the salary-cap projection sits at $154.6 million for next season, the luxury tax is $187.9 million. Dallas will be above that number, barring an offseason trade of someone like center Daniel Gafford.
The main question for the Mavs' front office is how much it wants to stay below the first ($195.9 million) or second ($207.8 million) apron. That outcome will determine if Dallas has access to any further exceptions.
Top Contract Decisions
2 of 3
Among the franchise's 12 contracts for next season, 10 of them are locked in. The outliers are Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell, who hold player options.
Irving's agreementโworth just shy of $44 millionโis fascinating.
While it seems reasonable to decline the option and enter free agency, few teams have enough cap space to extend a maximum offer. Irving has leverage, to be sure, but a league-wide pursuit isn't looming. Throw in his recovery from a major knee injury, and perhaps an opt-in makes more sense.
The other unknown is Powell's $4 million. Because he probably won't command that number on the market after holding a minor role, the most likely outcome is Powell exercises that option.
Whether the Mavs ultimately keep him on the roster, however, is a different question. They could trim the books with a salary-dump trade.
Free Agents to Pursue
3 of 3
Every conversation about Dallas and free agency is entirely contingent on whether Irving exercises or declines his option (and re-signs or leaves).
Assuming the Mavericks keep him, they'll need to focus on low-cost additions beyond the player drafted with their 2025 first-round pick.
They would be wise to work outs contracts for Kai Jones and Brandon Williams, who stepped into notable roles down the stretch. Still, the young players likely will fit the team's salary constraints.
Dallas also should try to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie, provided he's not seeking a substantial raise. Irving won't be available to begin the 2025-26 season, so the Mavs need a few ball-handlers to handle those minutes early on.
That certainly is not a glamorous pair, but the franchise doesn't have space to make splashy additions in free agency if Irving opts in.
But if Irving moves elsewhere, Dallas would have to wrestle with a self-inflicted rebuild and shouldn't be aggressive in the market.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
