Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[mvossman]

Whatever we think about Mathurin, he is an on-ball, creator type of player. So in a very real way, he brings a lot of what those of us wanting to address "PG" this summer think is missing here. In fact, the downside to adding him is that he kind of needs the ball in his hands to make an impact(similar to other guys we don't love around here, like Kuminga). And, Mathurin is pretty squarely in that 2 slot, positionally, whether you want to call him a "big guard" or a "wing."

Now, we can debate for hours whether what he's shown to this point leads us to believe he's going to improve in the right circumstances...whether he makes the team better or worse...whatever. But, he IS a fit for what the Mavs need, positionally, at least in theory. A good fit, actually. He can play next to Kyrie, Sasser, Nembhard and De Larrea. Probably not next to Christie much, but maybe a little bit in weird situations. 

And he's still 24, with a load of confidence and a load of talent. It certainly wouldn't be the outcome I hoped for in my wildest dreams before the summer, but I do think he's kind of a PJ Washington, Naji Marshal, Daniel Gafford - level player at ball-handling guard position, meaning he could look a lot better if he lands in the right situation with the right teammates and the right role, just like those guys.

I guess I just don't see it.  He is a guy that can create for himself, but he doesn't create for others.  That doesn't seem like the kind of guy they are targeting.  Its a red flag that Rick allowed him to be dumped.  Its another red flag that he has all the physical tools but is still a bad defender.  He seems like a guy more focused on getting his than winning.