Dallas, TX
NBA Offseason Rumors: Dallas Mavericks could sign $203 million Charlotte Hornets superstar to bolster Championship hopes; stable replacement for Luka Doncic? | NBA News – The Times of India
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a critical offseason after a disastrous season marred by injuries and underwhelming performances. With star player Luka Doncic carrying a heavy load, the franchise is reportedly considering a bold move to reshape its roster. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Mavericks could target Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball as a potential replacement for Kyrie Irving, who recently suffered a torn ACL.
“The Mavericks must decide about Irving, who recently tore his ACL. Can the franchise afford to wait for him? Will he be his usual self early in the year, or will he need more than a year to return to form? They ‘probably’ do, but pivoting to a younger scoring point guard like LaMelo Ball could be a radical but viable alternative,” Pincus wrote. Ball, a 23-year-old rising superstar, is seen as a dynamic playmaker who could complement Doncic and inject new energy into the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup.

LaMelo Ball (Image via Getty)
Irving’s injury has left Dallas with tough decisions. If the team opts to trade him, they could package him with other assets to acquire LaMelo Ball. Alternatively, the Mavericks might offer players like Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Caleb Martin, along with future first-round draft picks, to entice the Hornets. Gafford, a reliable center, and Washington, a versatile forward, could be valuable pieces for Charlotte, while Dallas would gain a young, high-ceiling guard in Ball.
The Dallas Mavericks are also keen on retaining promising young center Dereck Lively II, who has shown flashes of potential. However, the team’s immediate focus is on addressing their backcourt issues and finding a long-term solution to support Doncic. A trade for Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball would signal a shift toward building a younger, more dynamic core.
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers looking to bag $179,299,750 Denver Nuggets superstar to bolster roster; perfect fit for Luka-LeBron duo?
This offseason is pivotal for the Dallas Mavericks. After a season derailed by injuries and questionable roster moves, the franchise must make strategic decisions to return to championship contention. Whether they pursue Ball or explore other options, the goal remains clear: to bring optimism back to their fan base and position themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference. The clock is ticking for Dallas to make the right moves and turn the page on a disappointing chapter.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.