Mavs Vet Workout: Monta Ellis, Lance Stephenson & More? Really?

Thomas appeared in just three games last season all as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. He signed a 10-day contract but did not end up getting signed for the remainder of the season. 

Since playing through a hip injury during the Boston Celtics' playoff run in 2017, Thomas hasn't managed to get back to his All-Star level of play. He averaged an impressive 28.9 points and 5.9 assists during his last All-Star campaign.

Since 2018-19, Stephenson has not been able to land a spot on an NBA roster. He was most recently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers but was not retained after averaging 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds off the bench. 

Stephenson was close to receiving a deal with the Indiana Pacers before the NBA shutdown occurred last March. He most recently earned $4 million from Liaoning of the Chinese Basketball Association before almost joining the Pacers. 

Ellis has been long removed from an NBA roster as he hasn't played since the 2016-17 season. He last averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists as a member of the Indiana Pacers but was waived using the stretch provision during the final year of his contract. 

After being waived, Ellis was paid just over $2.2 million per year for the last four years. The 2020-21 season was the final year his payments from the Pacers came... so a comeback may not be all that unexpected when putting those pieces together.

None of these veteran players is an answer for the Mavericks' secondary ball-handler needs. If the team seeks 'one with size' as previous comments alluded to, Stephenson, at 6-foot-6, most closely fits that mold. 

There is still reason for focus to be placed on Goran Dragic as he enters training camp still a member of the Toronto Raptors. The Mavericks attempted to trade for him earlier in the offseason but were rebuffed in those efforts.