NBA Free Agency: Mavs to Sign Dante Exum; Contract Details

The Mavs made another signing on the margins of their roster by adding Dante Exum, who has not played in the NBA since the 2020-21 season.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks continue to add talent on the margins of their roster around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving using free agency. After a 38-44 season, the team faces the need to improve on defense and rebounding, both of which were frequently communicated goals by the front office.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Dante Exum is signing a one-year, guaranteed veteran's minimum contract with the Mavs. Exum, 27, has not played in the NBA since the 2020-21 season when he appeared in six games with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Free agent G Dante Exum – a former No. 5 overall pick – is returning to the NBA on a guaranteed deal with the Dallas Mavericks, his agent Brandon Rosenthal tells ESPN. After leading Partizan to their first title in a decade, Exum brings his perimeter versatility to the Mavs.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2023

Since his last NBA stint, Exum has played for FC Barcelona in 2021-22 and most recently was a member of Partizan Belgrade. The 6-foot-5 guard possesses a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is known for his defensive versatility, but struggled to develop a productive offensive game.

Last season, Exum played 38 games, averaging 13.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 23.0 minutes per game. He shot 52.0 percent from the floor, 39.3 percent from 3-point range, and 85.8 percent on free throws. Given his struggles to shoot the ball efficiently during his previous NBA stops, his percentages in Europe have given teams some optimism.

An important element to signing Exum is the relationship that he shares with new front office member Dennis Lindsey. When the Jazz drafted Exum, it was Lindsey who was running the front office that made the decision. 

Exum began his NBA career playing five seasons with the Utah Jazz after being selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. His rookie season was the only campaign of his career playing 20 or more minutes per game. 

The Mavs have added an abundance of guards using cheap contracts in free agency between using the bi-annual exception on Seth Curry and now taking a flier on Exum. Other moves include re-signing Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell, with additions from the NBA Draft including Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. 

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Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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