Dallas Mavericks: Plan B free agents with Giannis Antetokounmpo signed

2021 free agent target No. 1 – Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard poses another wait-and-see free agency scenario for the Dallas Mavericks, but he could be the biggest impending free agent next offseason.

Following the LA Clipper’s postseason collapse against the Denver Nuggets, the franchise has been swarmed with negative headlines involving in-house issues. If the team fails to reach its goal again this coming season and Leonard wants a change of scenery, Dallas should make a strong pitch.

A two-time Finals MVP and four-time All-Star, Leonard’s resume speaks for itself. He is among the best players in the association today and would form a formidable trio down in Dallas that could immediately push them into the upper echelon of title contenders.

Leonard’s exceptional defensive play would do wonders for the Mavericks while simultaneously providing a scoring punch on the opposite end. Last season, the 29-year-old averaged 27.1 points on .470/.378/.886 shooting splits, 7.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, having arguably the best season of his career.

While Kawhi Leonard would be a dream free agent target for the Dallas Mavericks, they will have to keep tabs on what happens with his current contract dilemma. Like Jrue Holiday, Leonard holds a player option for the 2021-22 season, and speculation has loomed large regarding his future with the LA Clippers.

The same went for his running mate Paul George, but the Clippers inked him to a new four-year extension worth $176.3 million recently. Following that news, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto believes that a new deal for Leonard could soon follow. There is no guarantee that Kawhi Leonard will be on the free agent market next offseason, but the Dallas Mavericks should be among the suitors for the two-time champion if he is available.