Chris Paul, D'Angelo Russell, More Reportedly Eyed By Mavs After Kyrie Irving Contract

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly eyeing a Kyrie Irving fill-in as they await the star guard's return.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Irving's new contract paves the way for Dallas to use a $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception. With that exception, potential targets for the Mavericks include Dennis Schröder, D'Angelo Russell, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon.

ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that, had Irving opted into his $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season, the Mavericks would have been over the second apron and wouldn't have been able to use the midlevel exception. Instead, Dallas has the flexibility to add another player to the roster.

Schröder started last season with the Brooklyn Nets and had a stop with the Golden State Warriors before ending the year with the Detroit Pistons. The 31-year-old put up 13.1 points and 5.4 assists per game.

Paul, who is 40 and likely nearing the final stages of his career, averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game last year with the San Antonio Spurs. While the veteran is far past his prime, he could be a good option to facilitate the offense while Irving recovers from his torn ACL and could then be a solid bench player once Irving is on the court.

Russell, who started last season with the Los Angeles Lakers before returning to Brooklyn for his second stint with the Nets, put up 12.6 points and 5.1 assists per game.

Brogdon spent last year with the Washington Wizards but played just 24 games, averaging 12.7 points and 4.1 assists.

While none of the options mentioned would be the preferred choice to lead Dallas into the postseason, all are affordable veterans with enough experience to keep things afloat until Irving's return, which could come as soon as January.