The Dallas Mavericks have been making bold moves to reshape their roster after trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Adding Caleb Martin from the Philadelphia 76ers was another step, but the team isn’t done yet. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks recently tried to sign former All-Star Ben Simmons before he joined the Los Angeles Clippers.
Stein reported on The Stein Line that Dallas showed interest in Simmons during the buyout market. “League sources say that Dallas had interest in joining the buyout market bidding for Ben Simmons, who swiftly joined the LA Clippers after negotiating his release from the Brooklyn Nets and held appeal to the Dallas Mavericks as a small ball center,” Stein wrote.
Ben Simmons, a three-time All-Star, could have provided the Mavericks with much-needed playmaking and defensive versatility. While he hasn’t been the same dominant force since his Philadelphia 76ers days, his ability to facilitate and guard multiple positions would have been valuable for Dallas.

However, financial constraints played a role in the Dallas Mavericks’ inability to secure Simmons. Stein noted, “The Mavericks, though, sit less than $200,000 away from the NBA's first luxury-tax apron … even after Davis waived his trade kicker upon learning that the Lakers were dealing him to Dallas for Doncic.”
Despite missing out on Ben Simmons, the Mavericks’ interest signals their intent to remain active in the buyout market. With the trade deadline behind them, Dallas is likely to explore additional options to bolster their roster for a playoff push. The team’s success will depend on who becomes available and how quickly they can integrate new pieces.
Simmons’ move to the Clippers also sets up a potential postseason showdown between the two teams. If Dallas can stay healthy and add the right pieces, they could make a deep playoff run and possibly return to the NBA Finals.
For now, the Dallas Mavericks’ pursuit of Ben Simmons highlights their determination to build a contender around Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Fans will be watching closely to see what moves come next.
Also read: NBA Buyout Rumors: Dallas Mavericks eyeing ex $30 million San Antonio Spurs forward to bolster roster with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving
Let us know if you feel that former All-Star Ben Simmons would have been a good fit for the Mavs. Do you think Simmons could have been a strong supporting player for Davis and Irving? Leave your opinions in the comments down below.