Dallas Mavericks Seek Shooting Help in Offseason

Team ranked near bottom of NBA in 3-point shooting, looking to add more proven shooters

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:26pm

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game broken down into overlapping planes of bold, vibrant colors, conceptually representing the Mavericks' search for improved perimeter shooting.A cubist interpretation of the Dallas Mavericks' need to improve their 3-point shooting through strategic offseason moves.Chicago Today

The Dallas Mavericks had a disappointing 26-56 season, hampered by injuries and the trade of Anthony Davis. With Kyrie Irving returning from a torn ACL, the team's biggest need is improving its 3-point shooting, which ranked 26th in the league in percentage and 29th in makes. The Mavericks will explore options like free agents Luke Kennard, Dean Wade, and Landry Shamet to bolster their perimeter shooting.

Why it matters

Effective 3-point shooting is crucial in today's NBA, and the Mavericks' struggles in that area were a major factor in their losing record. Improving the team's outside shooting will be key to getting back to contention and supporting star players like Kyrie Irving.

The details

The Mavericks ranked near the bottom of the NBA in 3-point percentage and 3-pointers made last season. While Kyrie Irving's return will help generate better looks, the team still needs to add more proven shooters. Free agent options include Luke Kennard, Dean Wade, and Landry Shamet, all of whom are high-level 3-point threats. The team may also explore trading players like Caleb Martin or Naji Marshall to create roster space for new shooting talent.

  • The Mavericks finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record.
  • Kyrie Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March 2025.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A star point guard for the Mavericks who missed the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL.

Luke Kennard

A pending free agent known as a high-level 3-point shooter that the Mavericks may target this offseason.

Dean Wade

A pending free agent known as a high-level 3-point shooter that the Mavericks may target this offseason.

Landry Shamet

A pending free agent known as a high-level 3-point shooter that the Mavericks may target this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to succeed in today's NBA when you're shooting that poorly, which is proven by the Sacramento Kings being worse than them in both statistics.”

— Austin Veazey, Author

What’s next

The Mavericks will explore options to add more proven 3-point shooters in free agency, either through signings or potential trades, to improve their perimeter shooting and support Kyrie Irving's return.

The takeaway

Improving the Mavericks' 3-point shooting will be a top priority this offseason as the team looks to get back to contention. Adding high-level outside shooters through free agency or trades will be crucial to complementing their star players and finding more offensive success.