Final Offseason Steps Could Decide Dallas Mavericks' Contender Status
The Dallas Mavericks were on the brink of yet another free-agency disaster. Fortunately for them, they managed to secure the services of both DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews only a couple of days after the signing frenzy commenced on July 1.
But there is still work to do to achieve the status of a true title contender.
Dallas might have landed two prized free agents, but they didn't come cheap. Matthews will be paid around $13 million per year, while Jordan will be compensated around $80 million over four years, per ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon. Those two deals will suck up most of Dallas' cap space, making other signings significantly more difficult.
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That's still a luxurious problem to have.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has already admitted just how much was riding on Jordan's decision. If the former Los Angeles Clippers center had opted to stay put, Cuban was ready to throw in the towel and go for a full rebuild, per MacMahon. That would've been disastrous.
The Mavs already sent their 2016 first-round draft pick to the Boston Celtics when trading for Rajon Rondo (protected first through seventh selections, per RealGM.com). Even with just Chandler Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki and placeholders on the team, it would've been difficult to hit rock bottom and secure a top lottery pick. Still, with Tyson Chandler going to the Phoenix Suns, Dallas would've had no other choice.
Now the Mavericks will gladly convey their 2016 first-round pick to Boston with the crosshair firmly set on a potentially deep run in the playoffs next season. For that to be a reality, the Mavs will have to do what they do best—fill out the roster with valuable veteran contributors on cheap deals.
The Point Guard Situation
The most glaring void in the roster is still the absence of a starting point guard. With Rajon Rondo leaving, the Mavs will likely have to settle for a placeholder. Dallas has managed to convince players to take short-term pay cuts in the past and will have to do so yet again.
The primary target appears to be Jeremy Lin. Chandler Parsons played a huge role in recruiting both Jordan and Matthews, and he is already working his magic on Lin, per ESPN's Marc Stein:
"The Dallas Mavericks are firmly in the mix to sign free-agent point guard Jeremy Lin, according to league sources.
Dallas has limited funds to offer, but sources told ESPN.com that Lin is giving the Mavericks strong consideration even though he can likely make more money elsewhere.
Lin's relationship with Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons from their days as teammates in Houston, sources said, has kept Dallas in the race despite its lack of financial flexibility.
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As Stein points out, the Mavs can't exactly slam down a lucrative offer on the table. Waiving Raymond Felton and stretching out his expiring deal would create a $2.6 million slot which could go to Lin.
He can probably find a better long-term deal somewhere else, but the Mavs have an enticing situation to offer. Lin could buy into the fact that he's going into a great spot for a year, which would allow him to boost his value and reenter free agency in one season.
Lin isn't spectacular, but he'd be an absolute steal for that price tag. He is a decent pick-and-roll attacker, can stretch the floor and is a nifty passer. However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo, Dallas is engaging the Los Angeles Lakers in sign-and-trade talks, which suggests that Lin might not be willing to take a pay cut that severe.
Matthews and Lin would complement each other well. Matthews would take on the tougher backcourt matchup defensively, while Lin would handle most of the playmaking. Even when Matthews has the ball and runs the pick-and-roll, Lin is good enough to spread the floor and knock down some open shots.
The starting lineup would then feature four shooters around Jordan, and the Mavericks could very well revert to bulldozing over teams with an unstoppable motion offense.
If Dallas strikes out on Lin, there are ways the team could get by. Devin Harris is more than capable of stepping into the shoes of a starter, and he would form a great defensive backcourt with Matthews.
Harris' contributions off the bench are crucial, and head coach Rick Carlisle has always preferred to keep the guard in a sixth-man role, however. J.J. Barea is already in productive talks with Dallas, per TNT's David Aldridge, and it wouldn't be a terrible point guard duo. Barea proved his value in the playoffs, and he is more than capable of logging longer minutes as the primary ball-handler.
Snatching up Jameer Nelson again would also be a viable move (if he'd be willing to return after getting ditched for Rondo last season).
Another legitimate target is Jason Terry. According to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks are discussing a potential reunion with Terry, who spent eight seasons with the team. Even at the age of 37, he can still be a knock-down shooter and would be an excellent addition at the minimum.
If Dallas ends up staying put and working with what it has at the point, Felton could remain as a third-string option.
All-Around Depth
Dallas did a great job finding bargain deals last summer. Al-Farouq Aminu was one of the biggest steals at the league minimum, as he developed into a crucial piece of the rotation. Charlie Villanueva was also picked up with a minimum contract, and he had some positive moments as a Maverick.
Finding those treasures this summer will be critical. Since the Mavericks can only create room for two deals around the $2.6 million range, most of the additions from this point forward will have to be at the league minimum.
It's already looking brighter on the wing. Richard Jefferson, who led Dallas in three-point percentage with 42.6 last season, is going to be back at a minimum deal next year, per MacMahon.
The Mavs also drafted a versatile three-and-D wing in Justin Anderson. He is a rookie, and it's unlikely he'll be a major contributor right away, but the opportunity will be there. With Matthews coming off an Achilles tear, Anderson could very well get some valuable playing time, especially early in the season. He will be able to knock down open jumpers and guard his position right away.
Dallas also picked up Jeremy Evans on a minimum deal, although the five-year veteran would ideally just be an insurance for potential injuries. The Mavericks could still use another wing who can contribute. Players like Caron Butler or Alonzo Gee are worth a nudge.
Dallas still looks awfully thin up front. Dwight Powell showed some flashes of being a solid offensive player, but it's unclear whether he'll get more of a chance next season. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Darrell Arthur could be decent additions, but both are likely outside of Dallas' price range.
Fortunately for the Mavs, Jordan is a machine. He can play major minutes and rarely gets injured, which relieves some of the pressure to find him a competent backup. Amar'e Stoudemire did a decent job creating offense when he joined Dallas last season, and the Mavs are reportedly still interested in bringing him back, per ESPN's Chris Broussard. Retaining Bernard James as insurance is also a possibility.
Filling out the roster with truly valuable pieces will be a challenge for Dallas.
Even if the Mavericks don't quite manage to put the pieces together this summer, they are set up to be a future powerhouse with a younger core in place. The starting lineup will likely be incredibly productive when everyone is healthy, but adding depth with limited funds is never easy.
You can follow me on Twitter: @VytisLasaitis
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