Dallas Mavericks: Plan B free agents with Giannis Antetokounmpo signed

By Dalton Sell | Dec 17, 2020

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 16: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on December 16, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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Dallas Mavericks, Giannis (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2021 free agent target No. 3 – Victor Oladipo

The Dallas Mavericks reportedly have some premature interest in Victor Oladipo a year before he is scheduled to enter free agency.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that the team was pursuing a potential trade involving the guard with the Indiana Pacers earlier this offseason. If so, the idea of bringing him to Dallas makes genuine sense, although they should wait until after this season.

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Dallas is in the hunt for a third star alongside Doncic and Porzingis, and Oladipo fits the bill. In his last three seasons since joining the Indiana Pacers, the guard has averaged 20.7 points on .453/.355/.783 shooting splits, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. Numbers like that could surely round out this All-Star trio, but Oladipo’s health is a prominent concern here.

Within that three-year span, Oladipo has played in just 130 regular season games, having suffered a ruptured right quad tendon in January of 2019. That injury limited the two-time All-Star to just 19 games this past season, which hindered the judgment of several teams debating whether they should make a move for Oladipo or not.

If the Mavericks wait until Oladipo’s contract expires after this coming season, they will have a definitive answer regarding his health. If the guard is back to his pre-injury form or close to it, they should pursue him when he hits the open market.

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