NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Should Pursue Al Jefferson
The Dallas Mavericks’ first goal this offseason is to re-sign reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki to an extension, or more likely a new contract for the next four years.
Their second goal, which can be considered a first since signing Dirk is probably a given, is to make a push for LeBron James just like another 15 teams probably will.
But the Mavericks are considered a dark, dark horse in the LeBron James sweepstakes, not a leading candidate.
That being said, they need to explore other options.
This is where Al Jefferson comes in.
The big man, when healthy, is a given 20-10 guy.
In his best season, just one season ago, Jefferson (23.1 PPG 11 REB 1.6 AST 1.7 BLK) shot 50 percent from the field and played 36 minutes per contest.
The following year, coming off injury, his numbers went down, and his minutes per game dropped to 32.
Nevertheless, he was still a force to reckoned with, and he played in 76 games last season.
The first thing that comes to mind with Big Al is his $42 million dollar contract that runs through 2013.
He is to be paid $13 million for the 2010-11 season.
Because of this, Minnesota’s management has made the decision to pursue a trade for the big man, whose contract hinders their rebuilding process.
Why would Dallas pick up a player that another team is desperately trying to trade?
Dallas is not Minnesota.
The Dallas Mavericks have an owner with big pockets that would not mind paying a player that amount of money, even if it implies more luxury tax penalties.
Also, the Mavericks are not rebuilding yet, and have lacked a force inside for quiet some time.
And they also have Erick Dampier, who has a non-guaranteed deal worth just about $13 million.
I say make a straight-up swap for the big men.
The Mavericks have plenty of options to upgrade their roster and make the right moves this offseason, which can make them a serious contender (once again) in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks can trade Erick Dampier for Al Jefferson and then re-sign Dampier to an inexpensive deal once he clears waivers.
If the club decides to, the can also explore trading Caron Butler, although I believe he should be give the chance to play his contract year in Dallas, something he has been quoted several times to be hoping for.
Given these trade options, the Dallas Mavericks might look like this in the near future if the right dominoes are moved:
PG: Jason Kidd/Roddy Beaubois/JJ Barea
SG: Caron Butler/Jason Terry/Dominick Jones
SF: Shawn Marion/Caron Butler
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Shawn Marion
C: Al Jefferson/Erick Dampier/Eddy Najera
This team would be very solid, with at least 12 players that are proven competitors.
It might not be the best team that will emerge from the offseason free agency bonanza, but it will be a team that would give many other teams a scare.
Agree? Disagree? Comment Away!
