With Kyrie Irving sidelined, the Mavericks might be exploring three of the most realistic point guard options for the 2025-26 season: Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday, and Lonzo Ball.
The Dallas Mavericks may have already secured the biggest win of the offseason by landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, giving them the chance to select top prospect Cooper Flagg.
Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball
MIN: 22.2
PTS: 7.63 (41.11%)
REB: 3.37
As: 3.29
ST: 1.34
BL: 0.49
TO: 1.17
GM: 35
But after making that pick, the Mavs will need to address a pressing issue: the point guard position. Kyrie Irving is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss a significant portion — if not all — of next season.
With that in mind, here's a quick look at some of the best and most realistic options Dallas could consider in summer.
Credit Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
Paul isn't a trade candidate, as he'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Still, the veteran could be an appealing option if the Mavericks want to add more experience.
At 40 years old, Paul is the second-oldest player in the league behind LeBron James, but he remains surprisingly durable.
Last season with the San Antonio Spurs, he tied a career high by playing all 82 games — something he last did in 2014-15.
He averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 42.7% from the field and 37.7% from three.
The 2024-25 campaign marked his 20th NBA season.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
If the Boston Celtics make roster changes, Holiday could be on the move. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavs are expected to explore potential trade options for the veteran guard, who turns 35 on June 12.
Holiday has three years and $104 million remaining on his contract. A two-time NBA champion (2021, 2024), he averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 62 starts for Boston this past season.
Known for his elite defense and steady playmaking, Holiday would fit well with Dallas' win-now approach.
He's expected to draw plenty of interest, with the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly among the teams keeping an eye on him.
Credit Scanpix
Ball is under contract for $10 million in 2025-26, with a $10 million team option for 2026-27.
At 27, Ball battled through serious knee injuries in Chicago, but he's worked his way back to the court and could serve as a solid short-term solution in Dallas.
He averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this past season, shooting 36.6% from the field. When healthy, he offers solid two-way versatility and comes with a team-friendly deal.
Marc Stein recently reported that the Mavericks remain interested in Ball, especially if they strike out on more expensive trade targets.
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