Mavs Reportedly Want to Trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Sign Dante Exum to Contract

The Dallas Mavericks reportedly are hoping to re-sign veteran guard Dante Exum, but they need to create some space for his eventual deal.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that the Mavs have "ramped up their efforts to create the needed roster space to complete the signing of" Exum, and are "focused on finding a new home via trade" for swingman Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

Prosper was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 draft by the Sacramento Kings before being traded to the Mavs on draft night. He was projected to be a strong wing defender who could make an impact with improved three-point shooting, but he struggled to find a consistent role in Dallas.

Across 92 career games over the last two seasons, Prosper has averages of 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds. His long-range shooting has left much to be desired, as he's shot just 26.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Prosper's role would further be diminished with the Mavs during the upcoming season following the arrival of 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who also plays the small forward position. Flagg is expected to play a big role immediately as a rookie, and he will see some time as Dallas' primary ball-handler while star point guard Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL.

Irving's absence makes Exum's return even more important, as the Mavs will need a reliable point guard to allow Flagg to grow other parts of his game while relieving him of the ball-handling duties. Exum has spent the last two years in Dallas and has proven to be a capable contributor off the bench, shooting 49.1 from three-point range in 2023-24 and 43.4 percent from beyond the arc last season.

Moving Prosper likely won't garner a big trade return for the Mavs, but retaining Exum appears to be the priority in any impending deal.