Wesley Matthews to Mavericks: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Dallas Mavericks took one of the bigger gambles this free-agency season, reaching a deal with Wesley Matthews. 

The Mavs announced the deal on July 9.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With DeAndre Jordan deciding to re-sign with the Los Angles Clippers instead of committing to the Mavs, Matthews will make even more money, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com: 

Following the signing, Matthews published a letter thanking Trail Blazers fans on The Players Tribune:

"

You all were amazing to me from the moment I landed in Portland to my last moment as a Trailblazer, and I can’t tell you what that means to me. I gave everything I had every night and I felt the same from you.

Though I am continuing my career in Dallas, and am excited about my future with the Mavs, my love and appreciation for Rip City will always be there!

"

At his best, the 28-year-old is one of the better three-and-D players in the NBA. He shot 38.9 percent from deep last year, and the Portland Trail Blazers had a 99.4 defensive rating with him on the court, compared to 103.4 when he was off it, per NBA.com.

The big question, though, is how Matthews will recover from the ruptured Achilles he suffered last March. That's a serious injury that comes with a long rehabilitation process. There's no telling what kind of player Matthews will be once he's back.

Despite that doubt, interest in his services remained high.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported on July 2 the Sacramento Kings were pushing hard for Matthews:

In an effort to create more space to attract Matthews and other marquee free agents, the Kings sent Nik Stauskas, Carl Landry and Jason Thompson to the Philadelphia 76ers, per Stein. Grantland's Zach Lowe reports the deal includes a protected first-round pick going the Kings' way, with the teams swapping first-rounders in two future drafts.

CBS Sports' Matt Moore believes that trade is looking a little worse now:

Matthews will help stretch the floor for Dallas and bring some more defense to the backcourt following the deapture of Rajon Rondo.