Dallas Mavericks: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason
1. Sign a big-name free agent
This has been a problem for the Dallas Mavericks for a number of seasons now. For some reason, it is very difficult for them to attract the big-name free agent to the franchise. With Dirk Nowitzki coming to the end of his incredible career, it is time the Mavericks landed a big fish.
There are a number of them available this offseason. Discounting players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Paul George, since it is difficult to see them coming to a losing franchise, there are still some very good players available. The Mavericks also will have deep pockets this summer, with up to $30 million in cap room.
More from Dallas Mavericks
- 3 NBA superstars with legacies on the line heading into 2023–24
- NBA Trades: This Mavs-Nets deal may lead to Dallas adding a third star
- NBA Trades: This Mavericks-Pelicans swap would boost Dallas’ frontline
- Ranking the 4 riskiest boom-or-bust NBA teams in 2023–24
- 5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons
While it is difficult to see the Mavericks chasing DeAndre Jordan, they may try and sign the best center on the market in DeMarcus Cousins. The New Orleans Pelicans played better when he was not on the court, but the Mavericks could focus their team around him. It will be interesting to see how Cousins comes back from his Achilles injury though.
Players like Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart or Aaron Gordon would all be nice pieces, though it is hard to see them moving on from their current teams.
Jabari Parker has come back successfully from his knee issue and showed flashes of being a high-energy, high-impact player again. He is a restricted free agent but the Mavericks could make life hard for the Milwaukee Bucks if they wanted Parker and extended him a big offer sheet.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
Julius Randle, a Dallas local, might be the best shot for the Mavericks to sign as a big-name free agent. He is growing into his game and would complement the rest of the young nucleus with his high energy style. In any case, signing a big-name free agent should be a top priority with all that potential cap space.