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**Dallas Mavericks Eye D’Angelo Russell to Fill Point Guard Void During Irving’s Injury Recovery**

**DALLAS, TX** – With Kyrie Irving secured on a new three-year, $119 million contract, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly setting their sights on D’Angelo Russell as a potential acquisition to bolster their point guard depth while Irving recovers from a torn ACL. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are considered a frontrunner to land Russell as free agency approaches.

Irving, who opted out of his $43 million player option to ink the new deal, underwent surgery in March to repair an ACL tear sustained in early March. The Mavericks expect Irving to return around January, leaving a significant gap at the point guard position to start the season.

“Adding another point guard in free agency was always going to be a priority” said Mavs general manager Nico Harrison. With previous backups Spencer Dinwiddie and Dante Exum both hitting free agency, the need is even more pressing.

The Mavericks also reportedly hope to find a point guard to nurture and maximize projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Russell, a 10-year veteran with 629 games under his belt, is coming off a season split between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets where he averaged 12.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. The Mavericks will be hoping he can recapture his prior form and provide a steady hand at the helm while Irving recovers.

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