Dallas Mavericks: Who To Pursue And Who To Avoid

Small Forwards

Unrestricted Free Agents (Mavs): None

The small forward position could provide the biggest swing for the Mavs this offseason as Chandler Parsons is expected to opt out of his contract. Despite his desire to stay in Dallas, you never know whether he might change his mind once he hits the open market.

The only real option to consider here is if Parsons leaves. If he stays, the Mavs will have their starter and Justin Anderson will still be there to back him up, meaning the small forward position wouldn’t necessarily be an area of need.

Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder: Avoid

You may be reading this and thinking I’m crazy for saying the Mavs should avoid the best player on the market this summer but the reality is this: Durant is not coming to Dallas. I highly doubt he’s going to leave OKC, and if he does, he will be looking at destinations like San Antonio. It’s not worth it for the Mavs to waste time on him while other good players are being snatched off the market.

Nicolas Batum – Charlotte Hornets: Avoid

Batum is one of those players that does a little bit of everything, but he tends to fall off when needed the most. Besides Game 1, he was virtually a non-factor in the playoffs this year and he’s been known to have some downright awful nights, like on Jan. 29 when he shot 1-for-11 for three points in 40 minutes.. Sure, he’d be a great fit with Matthews, one of teammates in Portland, but he would not be the right fit for the Mavs.

Luol Deng – Miami Heat: Pursue

Should Parsons find a new home this summer, Deng would be the perfect replacement. He’s going to get you at least 12-3-3 most nights and he plays a solid defensive game just like Parsons. Even with a slight drop in averages, Deng has been a key player for the Heat this season.

Evan Turner – Boston Celtics: Avoid

Turner had a great year with the Celtics, but he’s more of a bench player and less of a starting player. His defense and passion would be accepted, but he’s not the type of player to headline a team.

Kent Bazemore – Atlanta Hawks: Pursue

This goes against what I’ve previously mentioned in terms of offensively gifted players, but Bazemore is different. He is extremely athletic and is due to hit his prime within the next few seasons. Though he’s a similar wing to Wesley Matthews, he would be a great fit for the future.

Overall, the Mavs need to hope that they lock Chandler Parsons up, because the rest of the small forward pool does not provide much intrigue

Next: Not Too Much To Look Over