We conjecture a geometrical form of the Paley–Wiener theorem for the Dunkl transform and prove three instances thereof, by using a reduction to the one-dimensional even case, shift operators, and a limit transition from Opdam’s results for the graded Hecke algebra, respectively. These Paley–Wiener theorems are used to extend Dunkl’s intertwining operator to arbitrary smooth functions. Furthermore, the connection between Dunkl operators and the Cartan motion group is established. It is shown how the algebra of radial parts of invariant differential operators can be described explicitly in terms of Dunkl operators. This description implies that the generalized Bessel functions coincide with the spherical functions. In this context of the Cartan motion group, the restriction of Dunkl’s intertwining operator to the invariants can be interpreted in terms of the Abel transform. We also show that, for certain values of the multiplicities of the restricted roots, the Abel transform is essentially inverted by a differential operator.