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Dallas Mavericks: 5 New Year’s resolutions for 2019

By Adam Tayabali

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 30: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 30, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 30: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 30, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. /

2. Attract another big free agent

As Luka Doncic continues to perform, more and more NBA superstars sing his praises. Four-time MVP LeBron James was one of those stars, including Doncic in the list of players he would want to play with.

The list of players mentioned included Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

After the Dallas Mavericks beat the Thunder 105-103, forward Paul George called Luka a ”special talent.” These are just two examples of NBA stars being impressed by Doncic, and intrigued by him. It’s possible this intrigue could lead to more NBA players wanting to play with him in Dallas.

When considering the Mavericks’ upcoming free agent, Ben Zajdel of the Smoking Cuban writes:

"“J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, Wesley Matthews, Dirk Nowitzki, DeAndre Jordan, and Salah Mejri call come off the books next year. Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Jalen Jones, and Ding Yanyuhang are all restricted free agents. If the Mavericks renounce all rights to these players, they would have roughly $50 million in cap space.”"

Zajdel took into account the fact that Harrison Barnes will exercise his player option of around $25 million. Although expensive, Barnes fits with what the Mavericks need as a 3-and-D guy that can play around Doncic efficiently. If they decide to bring back Barea, Harris, and Matthews on much more affordable contracts, and decide to let Jordan walk, they can try to sign a big-name free agent.

The Mavericks could pursue a max contract for Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins or Julius Randle if he opts out of his player option. The main thing for the Mavs should be not overpaying for a player on the wrong side of 30, as they want someone in their prime who can grow with Doncic and possibly DSJ as well.

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