Dallas Mavericks: Free Agent Hunt

The Dallas Mavericks have plenty of options to work with this summer.

Assuming the team is comfortable with its current salary commitment of over 85 million dollars (I am sure Marc Cuban can live with that), they will be a big player in free agency both in regular deals as well as sign-and-trade deals.

The team has over 30 million dollars in expiring contracts, of which 13 million are a not-guaranteed deal to Eric Dampier.They can get a number of proven players rather going for one big name free agent.

The Dallas Mavericks can benefit greatly with a number of deals that do not include the top 5 free agents in the market. That said, you will not find the names LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudamire, Chris Bosh, or even Carlos Boozer on this list.

Here are players Dallas can sign to contribute to them becoming championship contenders again.

Ray Allen

At this point of his career, Ray Allen could be considered a risk.He has shown the potential to dominate the game several times through the season and the playoffs, but has also been wildly inconsistent this year in important games. If the price is right, Dallas should consider adding Ray Allen as the starting shooting guard they need.

John Salmons

John Salmons has proven to be a back-court all-rounder. He is an above average defender and has the ability to drive the ball and get to the line to go with a consistent mid range and long range jumper. He can also be a distributor and can be counted on to execute plays. He is essentially a lesser version of Joe Johnson who on a given night can match him.

Mike Miller

You can never have too many proven veterans on one team. Mike Miller is still a great player. His resume speaks for him, and though his production has taken a hit in recent seasons, his effectiveness has not. It is unlikely Mike Miller will be available since Washington has publicly announced the team wishes to assign the veteran to work with a core of young players.

JJ Redick

Redick has shown flashes of brilliance all year. He has proved worthy of a lottery pick, although he has been drafted late, due mostly to an overcrowded shooting guard situation in Orlando.

Redick will be a highly coveted free agent this season, and Dallas should join the list of teams coveting the pure shooter. Although not as quick as other guards, his shooting ability and high IQ could make him a solid backup guard (or perhaps starter) on the Mavericks' roster.

Brendan Haywood

There have been mixed opinions about seven foot Brendan Haywood his entire career. A veteran of several seasons, it is safe to say that Haywood represents a border-line starting center.

Not to denigrate his ability, he is capable big man in a league where such players are scarce. Dallas should be careful not to overpay the big man this summer, as he will be coveted by teams like the Denver Nuggets looking to complete their line up.

The Mavericks should look to sign Haywood to a long-term deal if the price is right.

Udonis Haslem

Any team looking to add a big hustler will be looking closely at Udonis Haslem. Haslem has been in the league for several seasons and is respected for his work ethic and dedication.

He has the ability to average a double-double as a starter and off the bench and can play limited minutes at the center position. With Eduardo Najera in the roster, a player like Haslem would be unnecessary, but given the right situation, he would be an upgrade over Najera as a Maverick.

Matt Barnes

The Mavericks are looking to get more athletic and younger at the wings this off-season. It can not get any better than Matt Barnes. He was a steal for Orlando and can be a steal for the Mavericks this summer.

He provides tough defense, is an energetic finisher and can shoot the long ball consistently. He would fit right in with the Mavericks' off-season plans this summer.

Drew Gooden

The big man expressed interest in returning as a Maverick this season, before he was kept as a starter with the Los Angeles Clippers. Although undersized to defend bigger centers in the NBA, he is a proven veteran and can provide quality minutes as a reserve.

This is another player that will be coveted by many teams this off-season, but should provide instant impact to any teams he decides to sign with, including the Mavericks.