Apr 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) shakes hands with center Jarrett Allen (31) in the second quarter during game four for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Mavericks linked to Cavaliers sharpshooter in trade rumors

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 4:46 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks may not be done adding to their roster. Once Dante Exum officially signs his new deal, they'll have 16 rostered players and will have to either trade or release someone before the start of the season to get down to the 15-man limit.

There are a few options for who could be traded: Jaden Hardy, Olivier, Maxence Prosper, Caleb Martin, and more. The bigger question is, who would the Mavericks target?

Sam Amico of HoopsWire has reported that the Dallas Mavericks, as well as the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, have shown an interest in Cleveland Cavaliers sharpshooter Dean Wade, with Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor saying the Mavericks have "fans for a few years."

Wade is coming off a season averaging 5.9 PPG while shooting 36% from three. He can be a valuable backup power forward to the right team at 6'9", but the Mavericks already have a lot of frontcourt depth with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Cooper Flagg, so Wade likely wouldn't see many minutes with this current iteration of the team if a deal were to be made.

Dean Wade is set to make $6.6 million this season, though only $4.6 million is guaranteed as of now; it becomes fully guaranteed in January. The Cavaliers are looking to save money, so the only option that could make some sense is Jaden Hardy, currently set to make $6 million next season, but that would leave Dallas' frontcourt even more overcrowded. Even if Hardy isn't great, he's at least a backcourt option.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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