8 Basketball Players who Played for Mavericks and Cavaliers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Mavericks and the Cavaliers.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling and scoring ability. Drafted as the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers, Irving quickly made an impact and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
He played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA Championship win, hitting a crucial three-pointer in the closing moments of Game 7. However, after the 2016-17 season, Irving requested a trade and was subsequently dealt to the Celtics. Irving then spent time with the Nets and is now with the Mavs.
Irving has been selected to multiple NBA All-Star games and has been named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. He also won the gold medal with Team USA in the 2016 Olympics.
*Irving was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 28)
Irving Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Cavaliers)
- All-Star (Cavaliers, Celtics, Nets, Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Cavaliers, Nets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Cavaliers, Celtics)
Antawn Jamison
Antawn Jamison, known for his versatile scoring ability and rebounding prowess, played for several teams during his career, including the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Selected 4th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, he was immediately traded to the Warriors where he began his career. Jamison was a two-time NBA All-Star, and in 2004, while with the Mavericks, he was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Over his career, Jamison averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Despite his individual success, Jamison’s teams rarely made deep playoff runs. Regardless, he left a significant mark on the NBA with his consistent production and professionalism.
Jamison Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Warriors, Wizards)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Wizards)
Shawn Marion
Shawn Marion, nicknamed “The Matrix”, was drafted 9th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1999 NBA Draft. He quickly became a key player for the Suns, known for his ability to fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Marion was a four-time NBA All-Star and was considered one of the most versatile players in the league, capable of playing and defending multiple positions effectively. His career includes stops with the Heat, Raptors, and Cavaliers, but he is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Mavericks, where he won an NBA Championship in 2011.
For his career, Marion scored 17,700 points, grabbed 10,101 rebounds, and racked up 1759 steals, which demonstrates his ability to contribute across various facets of the game.
Marion Key Stats
- All-NBA (Suns)
- All-Star (Suns)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Suns)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Suns)
Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder is an NBA player known for his toughness and versatility. He was drafted 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he spent the first part of his career.
Crowder has been something of an NBA journeyman, playing for several teams including the Celtics, Cavaliers, Jazz, Grizzlies, Heat, Suns and Bucks. Despite changing teams frequently, Crowder has consistently been valued for his ‘3-and-D skills’ (three-point shooting and defense), as well as his ability to play both forward positions.
He has played crucial roles in deep playoff runs for several teams, including the Miami Heat in 2020, where he helped the team reach the NBA Finals, and the Phoenix Suns in 2021, also reaching the NBA Finals.
Richard Jefferson
Richard Jefferson spent 17 seasons in the NBA. Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, he played for several teams but is probably best remembered for his time with the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
He was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 13th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft and was subsequently traded to the New Jersey Nets. With the Nets, Jefferson reached the NBA Finals in his rookie and sophomore seasons alongside teammates Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin.
In 2016, Jefferson won an NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played a key supporting role alongside LeBron James, helping the Cavaliers come back from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Deron Williams
Deron Williams excelled as a point guard during his 13-year career. Williams was selected with the third overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. He played for the Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Cleveland Cavaliers throughout his career.
Williams was best known for his skills as a playmaker, often being one of the league’s leaders in assists. His ability to both score and distribute the ball made him one of the most well-rounded point guards of his era. He was a three-time NBA All-Star and was twice named to the All-NBA Second Team.
His best years were arguably with the Jazz, where he led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2007.
Williams Key Stats
- All-NBA (Jazz)
- All-Star (Jazz, Nets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Nets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Jazz, Nets, Mavericks)
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 21st pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics. He quickly became a starter and vital component for the Celtics, helping them win the NBA championship in 2008 alongside the “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
Rondo led the NBA in assists per game three times (2012, 2013, and 2016), and he’s recognized for his playoff performances, stepping up his game significantly in the postseason.
Rondo played for the Celtics until 2014, and since then he has had stints with the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, and Hawks. His second NBA Championship came in 2020 with the Lakers, where his veteran experience and leadership proved pivotal.
Rondo Key Stats
- All-NBA (Celtics)
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans)
Jim Jackson
Jim Jackson entered the NBA when he was selected 4th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1992 NBA Draft.
In Dallas, he quickly showcased his scoring prowess, becoming one of the young pillars of the team alongside Jason Kidd and Jamal Mashburn. However, despite the promise, the trio was short-lived due to various factors, including injuries and internal dynamics.
What followed for Jackson was a journeyman’s career, as he played for 12 different NBA teams, which included stints with the 76ers, Warriors, Trail Blazers, and Rockets, among others. Despite the frequent relocations, Jackson consistently proved his worth on the court, often providing a scoring punch and veteran presence.
Jackson Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Mavericks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Warriors)
