1. Mavericks bring back Kyrie
The Mavs got a three-year $126 million deal done with Kyrie Irving on the opening night of free agency. Dallas had no choice after giving up two starters, one first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders for the eight-time All-Star in February. The Mavs nosedived down the stretch and missed the playoffs entirely after trading for Kyrie.
Dallas still brought him back and gave him $40 million per season. Fans have seen how this movie ends. Irving requested to be traded out of Cleveland and Brooklyn along with leaving the Celtics in free agency. Keeping Kyrie locked in and happy is not easy, and the Mavericks face that massive challenge after giving him $40-plus million per season.
Beyond that, Dallas has not addressed their glaring issues. They were one of the worst defensive, rebounding, and rim-protecting teams in the league last season. The Mavs desperately need a 3-and-D wing and a center that can control the paint. They drafted their big man of the future in the lottery, but the 19-year-old will not be ready to be their starter as a rookie.
The Dallas Mavericks have work to do if they want to be in contention next season, and the Kyrie Irving situation could blow up at any time, so stay tuned to see how this one plays out.