BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Mavericks Eye Chris Paul as Temporary Replacement for Injured Kyrie Irving Using Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception

In a surprising development, league sources have confirmed that the Dallas Mavericks are exploring the possibility of signing veteran point guard Chris Paul as a temporary replacement for the injured Kyrie Irving. The move would be facilitated through the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (TPMLE), allowing Dallas to add experienced talent without exceeding luxury tax constraints.

Kyrie Irving, who recently suffered a high-grade ankle sprain during an offseason workout, is expected to miss at least 6–8 weeks, placing his availability for the early portion of the 2025–26 NBA season in jeopardy.

With Luka Dončić in need of a reliable backcourt partner, Chris Paul has emerged as a prime target. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer was recently waived by the Golden State Warriors and is now an unrestricted free agent. Despite his age, Paul demonstrated strong leadership and playmaking ability off the bench last season, averaging 9.8 points and 6.2 assists over 22 minutes per game.

According to front-office insiders, the Mavericks see Paul as a short-term stabilizer who can manage the offense, mentor younger guards, and maintain continuity while Irving recovers.

“Chris brings exactly what we need right now—veteran savvy, high basketball IQ, and elite decision-making,” a team executive told sources on condition of anonymity.

The Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, valued at approximately $5.2 million, fits within Dallas’s current cap flexibility and allows them to offer Paul a competitive one-year deal without major financial maneuveri