NBA Free Agency: 5 Teams To Watch

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas has been another team similar to the Lakers, in that it has struck out for the past couple of summers landing a star player. Two years ago it was Dwight Howard and last summer it was DeAndre Jordan.

They have been outspoken once again that their pursuit in landing a max player won’t stop.

The Mavericks will have about $63.5 million to use this offseason.

The two guys who are top targets for owner Mark Cuban and the Mavericks are Mike Conley and Hassan Whiteside. For years, they’ve been trying to land a big man that can demand a presence in the paint.

Their last one to do so was Tyson Chandler, who was the anchor of their 2011 championship team.

Cuban will have no problem throwing all the money he can Whiteside’s way to help persuade him to suit up for Dallas in the fall of 2016.

Mike Conley would help fill the void at point guard that Deron Williams didn’t.

There was hope that Williams could revitalize his career in Dallas after struggling mightily to get along with the front office of the Brooklyn Nets, but moving in a different direction at that position will be necessary if the Mavericks want to make the playoffs again next season.

Dirk Nowitzki also opted out of his player option and will become an unrestricted free agent. Even with rumors that Golden State may look to meet with him, all indications are that Nowitzki will re-sign with Dallas and suit up for the Mavericks for his 19th straight season.

Keep in mind, though, that nothing in free agency is guaranteed.

It isn’t a foregone conclusion that the Mavericks will finally land their star player in free agency, but they’ll continue to keep their name in the conversation.

Next: Washington