With the much anticipated 2017 NBA Draft behind us, the Dallas Mavericks have their point guard in Dennis Smith Jr., and will now turn their focus to free agency.
The Mavericks haven’t been able to land a “big fish” since they decided to breakup their championship team in 2011, but that hasn’t stopped them from swinging for the fences. They’ve missed out on Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and DeAndre Jordan. Harrison Barnes has certainly worked out nicely for them and he’s undoubtedly a major piece moving forward. However, Dallas still needs to add depth to its roster at every position if they want to be remotely close to sniffing the playoffs.
Dirk Nowitzki has a finite amount of time left in this league and the front office needs to make sure that they give him a proper send-off by signing players that can contribute now. He’s been very open about wanting to compete at the highest level before he decides to hang his sneakers up.
Here are five free agents the Mavs could target this offseason that could help the team moving forward:
1. Dion Waiters, SG | Unrestricted Free Agent | 2016-17 Salary = $2,898,000
Waiters had a breakout season last year after joining the Miami Heat on a two-year contract with a player option in year two. After starting his career out strong with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Waiters has had a tough time putting it all together prior to last season. He only managed to play 46 games, but he was effective when he was on the court. Per basketball-reference.com, Waiters averaged 15.8 points per game on 42 percent shooting, including 40 percent from behind the arc. More importantly, he took on a larger role when left for the Chicago Bulls.
While his numbers aren’t great, his ability to drive and finish around the basket is something Dallas desperately needs. He also shoots the ball well, which is great for the Mavs’ system. Waiters is only 25 years old and should only get better if he continues to progress like he did last year.
2. Justin Holiday, SG | Unrestricted Free Agent | 2016-17 Salary = $1,015,696
The New York Knicks have been terrible for some time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have quality players on their roster. Holiday’s numbers aren’t going to jump out on the stat sheet, but he’s a solid shooting guard that can create his own shot.
Holiday can help spread the floor, while also bringing the ball up the court if they need him to. This doesn’t solve their long-term starting two-guard need, but it does provide the Mavericks some depth at the position, especially if Seth Curry doesn’t re-sign with the team when he hits free agency next year.
3. Patrick Patterson, PF | Unrestricted Free Agent | 2016-17 Salary = $6,050,000
It’s not a secret that Dallas needs more athleticism off the bench. Patterson’s ability to find and finish put-back dunks could provide just that. His overall numbers are far from impressive, but Patterson’s market value could determine him as a good financial fit for the organization.
However, we won’t know that until July 1, when free agency officially begins. Teams could easily offer him more money that Dallas might not have. Nonetheless, he’s a scrappy player that could help the Mavericks second unit and he could easily provide a jolt of energy with just one put-back dunk.
4. Nerlens Noel, C | Restricted Free Agent | 2016-17 Salary = $4,384,490
It’s hard to believe that Dallas would have traded for Noel last year only to see him walk in free agency. The Mavericks have praised the young center ever since he arrived. He’s even drawn strong comparisons to a young Tyson Chandler, which everyone knows in Dallas is a gigantic compliment. All the Mavericks need to do is sit back and let the market present itself. Per Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.com, Noel could demand max offers from other suitors. The Mavs will have the opportunity to match any offer if they so choose to. Noel, along with Barnes, is a key foundation piece moving forward for this team. It won’t be a surprise when Dallas matches an offer.
5. Dirk Nowitzki, PF | Team Option for 2017-18 Season | 2016-17 Salary = $25,000,000
Dallas will more than likely need to restructure Dirk’s contract for them to sign free agents at or above market value. Dirk all along has said that he wants to continue to compete for as long as he can. It’s obvious when your lone superstar is willing to take pay cut after pay cut to help bring in marquee free agents. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, free agency hasn’t always gone according to plan. Dirk owes nothing to the Dallas front office, but because he is the way that he is, every MFFL can feel certain that he’ll do what’s best for the team.
NBA free agency is set to begin on July 1 at midnight. Although the mountain is steep, every team will be looking for a way to catch up with the Golden State Warriors. Free agency is an exciting time during the NBA offseason and this one shouldn’t be any different. Hopefully, the Dallas front office has some tricks up its sleeves that can help improve from last year’s disappointing 33-49 season.
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