Dallas could not find a trade partner for the third year forward
According to multiple media sources, the Dallas Mavericks have opted to waive and stretch third year forward Olivier Maxence-Prosper.
The Mavericks were on the hunt for a trade partner, as reported by DLLS’s Marc Stein, for either Prosper or Jaden Hardy, each of whom were under reasonably priced contracts. Dallas needed to make room to bring on guard Dante Exum to bolster depth in the ball handling area. The move was also needed to help keep the Mavericks under the dreaded second apron.
Unfortunately, those trade discussions never went anywhere. Teams were only interested if Dallas was willing to include one of their few remaining second round picks with O-Max. The remainder of his salary (one year) will be stretched over a multi-year period across the Dallas Mavericks salary cap.
Prosper was acquired as part o a draft night trade in 2023 with the Sacramento Kings. He, along with Richaun Holmes, were sent to the Mavericks for cash considerations. O-Max joined a team starved for size and at 6’8” and 230 pounds, the hope was that he develop into a multi-position forward, similar to the mold of former Dallas player Dorian Finney -Smith. He played 92 games over the past two seasons with Dallas, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds.
While it’s rare to see first-round picks waived before the end of their first contract, Prosper was stuck at the very end of a deep logjam at forward. Dallas needs Exum and his skillset more than Prosper and if a trade wasn’t possible on the market, this decision was all that remained to the team.
Given his age and size, he’s likely to get at least one more NBA shot, but he also did not show much development in his two seasons in the NBA. Despite not working out, Dallas made a reasonable gamble in 2023 with the selection. Large, skilled forwards are hard to acquire without spending (look at the Dallas salary sheet for further proof) and the low risk, high reward option in the latter part of the first round of the draft was a worthwhile gamble, even if it will cost Dallas in the literal sense(he will remain on the salary cap) for several years. Now the Mavericks can proceed with re-signing Exum.
Category: General Sports
