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If Nets’ Dennis Smith Jr. Hits Buyout Market, Mavs Should Sign Him

Originally posted on FanNation Dallas Basketball
By Dalton Trigg | Last updated 2/27/24

The Dallas Mavericks already tried to sign one former Brooklyn Nets point guard on the buyout market this season, as Spencer Dinwiddie ultimately chose to sign with LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers instead. But what if Dallas gets a chance to sign another Nets point guard with previous Mavs connections?

Given that the Nets are still in a rebuilding process, and that seventh-year guard Dennis Smith Jr. is on an expiring $2 million contract, it would make some sense if he ended up asking for a buyout in order to go join a playoff contender. The deadline for bought out players to sign with a team and still be playoff eligible is March 1.

There are no rumors suggesting that the Nets will move on from Smith at this time, but his interaction with interim head coach Kevin Ollie on Monday night sparked speculation.

This exchange is...interesting, given that Dennis Smith Jr. has seen his minutes cut under Kevin Ollie, and only played six or seven non-garbage-time minutes tonight: pic.twitter.com/E8HpPE7JlN
— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) February 27, 2024

Despite how his first stint with the Mavs ended, Smith still has good relationships within the organization, including superstar Luka Doncic. He’s also friends with newly-acquired forward P.J. Washington, as they played together with the Charlotte Hornets.

Smith’s interest in a potential reunion with the Mavs has been well documented by DallasBasketball.com , and a reunion now would probably make more sense than it would have in previous years. The Mavs currently have an open roster spot and could used a defensive-minded ballhandler off the bench, especially with Dante Exum’s lingering injury status.

pic.twitter.com/gaahPPqBsy
— Panda Hank (@pandahank41) February 7, 2024

In 41 games this season, Smith is averaging 6.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists while being one of Brooklyn’s best perimeter defenders. If the Mavs were interested in signing Dinwiddie, they should also be interested in signing Smith should he hit the open market in the coming days. Whether it’s Smith or someone else, the Mavs only have four days to add a player with their final roster spot if they want another potential playoff weapon.

This article first appeared on FanNation Dallas Basketball and was syndicated with permission.

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