Who will replace Owen? It was revealed that the Mavericks will explore trading Holiday and Paul is also on the list

On May 27, Beijing time, according to Mark Stein of The Athletic, as the Mavericks are looking for a player who will take over the ball control during Kyrie Irving's injury, they will explore the possibility of a potential trade with the Celtics for Jrue Holiday as the Mavericks are looking for a player. In addition, Brother Ball and Paul are also targets of the Mavericks' attention.

Stein acknowledged that the deal would be tricky given Dallas' financial situation and the $104 million remaining three years on Holiday to his contract. Holiday is reportedly one of the players the Celtics are considering a trade to reduce their salary bill next season, so the Green don't want to recoup a big contract in a trade. For a deal to be viable, a third or fourth team may need to participate.

Owen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on March 4. It was previously reported that he could be back by January of next year, but the Mavericks need someone to play as the starting point guard until he fully recovers from surgery.

Stein mentioned that Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is a "more reasonable trade target" for the Mavericks. Ball signed a two-year, $20 million contract extension in February, with a team option for a second year. It was much easier for the Mavericks to incorporate Ball's contract into their current salary structure, and he just had a relatively healthy season after missing two-and-a-half years with a serious knee injury. Ball, 27, is seven years younger than Holiday and could make a better long-term investment.

League sources told Stein that Paul is another player the Mavericks are keeping an eye on. Although Paul turned 40 earlier this month, he played in 82 games with the Spurs and had another efficient season, averaging 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 28 minutes per game while shooting 42.7%/37.7%/92.4% from three.

Stein noted that Paul spent a year mentoring Wembanyama and other young team-mates, which was considered a success, but there was "anticipation" that he could switch teams again this summer. San Antonio acquired Fox in a trade in February and is expected to draft Dylan Harper with an eye-pick pick in next month's draft. With Rookie of the Year Castle also in the guard rotation, Paul may not have enough playing time.

Stein expects that if Paul decides to leave, there will be plenty of teams in the league interested in him.