Dallas Mavericks: Why Additions Place Them Back in Title Contention

The Dallas Mavericks may have been hoping to jump back into title contention by adding Dallas native Deron Williams.

Despite not landing Williams' talents, though, they still have made small but significant additions—additions that place them back into title contention entering next season.

According to a report by the Associated Press via Yahoo! Sports, the retooled Mavs have now acquired point guard Darren Collison and wingman Dahntay Jones in a trade with Indiana. In addition, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that they signed veteran center Chris Kaman and also claimed big man Elton Brand.

While these may appear to be consolation prizes after missing out on Williams, these four players bring a needed jolt of life to Big D.

Collison will assume a heavy role at the point guard spot, and since he's entering a contract year, he'll have every reason to exclaim his value in the coming season. He definitely gives the Mavs a quicker and better penetrator than the aging Jason Kidd, who departed for New York.

Jones gives the Mavs an extremely versatile defender, someone who can play effective spot minutes guarding a guy like Kobe Bryant.

The best part of this deal with Indiana is the Mavs merely gave up big man Ian Mahinmi, a player they replaced with a much more experienced and skilled player in Brand.

The additions of Brand and Kaman solidify a Mavs frontcourt that was lacking last year after the departure of Tyson Chandler.

While neither brings the same kind of defensive intensity of Chandler, both bring a more seasoned offensive game, and Brand is actually quite an underrated defender.

Both of these players should have the opportunity to play alongside Dirk Nowitzki, giving the Mavs' frontcourt depth with three very uniquely gifted big men.

Now, the Mavs still have some concerns, such as depth on the wing, but these additions fortify their rotation and give them a better chance to contend in the Western Conference.

What's more, if they can add another player or two (particularly someone to fill the absence of the departed Jason Terry), then this team could legitimately find its way back to the NBA Finals.

Dallas fans should be happy with how this offseason has unfolded. The team has been upgraded and has been able to maintain financial flexibility in the process, per ESPN's Marc Stein.

While D-Will may not be coming to town, there are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic in Big D.