Dallas Mavericks: 5 cheap options in 2017 NBA free agency

1. Nikola Mirotic

This would represent a real bargain if the Mavericks were able to secure Nikola Mirotic on the cheap this offseason.

Still just 26 and entering his prime, Mirotic still demonstrates on a regular-enough basis that he has the capabilities of breaking through to the next level. With Nowitzki in the twilight of his career, Mirotic potentially represents a long-term replacement as Mavericks’ next stretch-4.

Last season, Mirotic produced 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game. While these numbers are hardly earth shattering, it needs to be noted that Mirotic started in just 15 of his 70 games played. With a great deal of upheaval occurring with the Chicago Bulls last season, Mirotic somewhat got lost in the shuffle.

But towards the back-end of the season, when afforded greater responsibility, Mirotic responded positively. In the last 16 games off the regular season, Mirotic averaged 15.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 28.4 minutes per game. Impressively, Mirotic shot at 43.5 percent clip from downtown, and was a +138 while on the floor during this span.

On three occasions last season, Mirotic posted a season-high 28 points, all off which came in a four-game span. One of these came during a win against eventual NBA Finalist Cleveland Cavaliers. Mirotic was outstanding in hitting 9-of-14 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range.

While his role may be slightly limited with the presence of Nowitzki, this would be a move made with the future in mind. It would give the Mavericks a season to view Mirotic up close, and would provide the 6’10” forward with the opportunity to learn from Nowitzki, one of the greats of the modern era

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

With the Mavericks one of many teams now with an eye to the future, they could very well find themselves with a bargain with the native of Serbia — assuming the Bulls don’t match an offer on their restricted free agent, that is.