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

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

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly preparing to pursue veteran point guard Chris Paul as a short-term solution while star guard Kyrie Irving recovers from injury. According to team sources, the Mavericks are exploring the use of the NBA’s taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) to bring Paul on board for the upcoming season.

With Irving expected to miss an extended stretch due to a lingering injury, the Mavericks are in urgent need of an experienced playmaker who can stabilize the backcourt and help manage the offense alongside Luka Dončić. Chris Paul, 40, recently became a free agent after parting ways with his previous team and remains one of the most respected floor generals in the league.

“Chris brings leadership, control, and elite basketball IQ,” said a Mavericks front office insider familiar with the negotiations. “We’re looking at all options, but bringing in someone with his resume and presence—especially in a temporary capacity—makes a lot of sense.”

The taxpayer MLE, valued at just over $5 million, would allow Dallas to sign Paul without jeopardizing its cap structure, especially important given the team’s existing commitments to Irving, Dončić, and several key role players. While Paul would not be expected to carry a full-time starting role at this stage of his career, he could provide crucial minutes off the bench or even start in Irving’s absence.

This potential move comes as the Mavericks aim to build on their deep playoff run last season and establish themselves as legitimate title contenders. With Irving sidelined, the team is keen to avoid early-season struggles that could impact playoff positioning.

Paul, a 12-time All-Star, has made clear he still intends to compete at a high level and chase a championship. Dallas could offer a unique opportunity: a competitive roster, a chance to mentor young guards, and the potential to reunite with Western Conference rivalries in what could be his final NBA season.

As talks develop, fans will be watching closely to see if one of the game’s most cerebral point guards finds a new home in Dallas—and whether he can keep the Mavericks steady until Irving returns to full strength.

Stay tuned for official updates from the Mavericks as free agency heats up.