Mavs Linked to Signing Lakers' Malik Beasley in NBA Free Agency; Problem with Move?

The Mavs are among NBA teams linked as having interest in signing Lakers free agent sharpshooter Malik Beasley.

DALLAS — After a 38-44 finish to the 2022-23 season resulted in failure to qualify for the play-in tournament, the Dallas Mavericks remain in need of adding talent around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. What could be their next move?

According to HoopsHype, the Mavs are joined by the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Golden State Warriors as being teams with interest in signing Malik Beasley. 

"Lakers free agent guard Malik Beasley has drawn interest from the Sixers, Suns, Raptors, Mavericks, Bucks, and Warriors, league sources told HoopsHype," Michael Scott wrote.

Beasley averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 81 regular season games, but was largely a non-factor during the Lakers' Western Conference Finals run. He ended up seeing action in only 11 playoff games and averaged 8.3 minutes per game during those appearances. 

For a Mavs team that lacked perimeter size last season, Beasley, who stands at 6-foot-4 would be a tough sell as a solution. While he brings some catch-and-shoot versatility, he remains an underwhelming defender and rarely attacks the paint. We'll argue that Dallas still needs more playable options closer to 6-foot-8 with more dynamic traits.

So far, the Mavs have re-signed Irving and Dwight Powell in addition to signing Seth Curry and Dante Exum. Based on the current roster configuration barring further changes, Dallas will need quick progression in player development from both rookies, Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. 

The Mavs frequently communicated "defense and rebounding'' as areas to address this offseason after finishing last season ranked 26th in defensive rating and 30th in total rebounding percentage. With a limited set of remaining assets, Dallas must be meticulous on how they are used.

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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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