Mavericks Seek Trade Partner for Olivier-Maxence Prosper to Clear Space for Dante Exum
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The Dallas Mavericks have stepped up efforts to move forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper in order to create second-apron flexibility needed to sign free-agent guard Dante Exum, league insider Marc Stein reported.
Dallas reached a verbal agreement with Exum on a one-year contract on July 2, yet the deal remains unfiled because the club’s apron-level payroll sits at roughly $206.2 million—about $1.6 million below the second tax apron of $207,824,000.
The Mavericks became hard-capped at that figure after using the taxpayer mid-level exception to add D’Angelo Russell last month. Exum’s projected minimum salary carries a cap hit of $2,296,274, pushing Dallas past the threshold unless salary is removed.
Prosper, the 24th pick in the 2023 draft, has averaged 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.0 minutes across 92 regular-season appearances. He is owed $3 million for 2025-26 with a $5.3 million team option for 2026-27 and no additional guarantees, making the 23-year-old the roster’s most movable contract.
The Mavericks can include nearly $8 million in cash to offset Prosper’s salary, but front-office executives around the league are reportedly seeking a second-round pick to absorb the cap hit. Dallas owns only two tradable second-rounders—Philadelphia’s 2030 selection and its own 2032 pick—limiting the team’s draft capital.
If no trade materializes, Dallas could waive and stretch Prosper’s $3 million salary. The move would have to be initiated by Friday to clear waivers by August 31 and would spread the charge over three seasons at roughly $1 million per year, freeing close to $2 million beneath the apron.
The franchise currently lists 15 players on guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts for 2025-26, so shedding Prosper—or another player—is necessary not only for cap compliance but also to open a roster spot for Exum.
Source: Hoops Rumors
