The Dallas Mavericks have spent the past couple years since winning the NBA championship stripping down their team and trying to rebuild it through free agency, but so far the team has basically gone 0-for-whatever on the biggest names, including this season with Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum and Andre Iguodala.
The team went after all three players and missed out and they did the same with Bucks star Monta Ellis, but it is still unclear where he will sign and that could end up being with the Mavericks. Dallas has done a good job at adding other solid players, but after missing out on Deron Williams last year and Howard this year, they will have to wait until 2014 again to go after the marquee names like Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
Iguodala is another name where the team missed out and according to Pro Basketball Talk, the now-Warriors star was close to signing with the team, but changed his mind at the last minute. Iguodala had a number of deals to consider before going with the Warriors, as he had a four-year, $52 million deal from the Kings as well as a five-year, $60 million deal that Denver gave him. Before he signed with the Warriors he had another option from Dallas that tried to sway him, but by the time he was going to make a choice, the team was able to swing a trade to free up room to sign him.
The Warriors wanted Dwight Howard as well as so they sent Richard Jefferson, Andris Biedrins and Brandon Rush in a deal to Utah to free up space and were able to bring in Iguodala on a contract. The signing by the Mavericks would have been a huge snag for the team and now they must wait for other big names and they may wait a while, possibly even to 2014, as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony and other big names will be free agents.
Dallas is also looking at Greg Oden this offseason after missing out on both Howard and Andrew Bynum and they may end up losing out on another name this offseason, as the Heat have also shown interest in the former number one pick. Oden hasn't played in years and after suiting up for only 82 games in his career, he appears finally healthy and ready to contribute. The Warriors are excited about adding Iguodala and after the team, surprised many by making a run in the playoffs, they are expecting to be even better next season.
The team now adds Iguodala to a talented roster that includes Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, David Lee as well as Harrison Barnes and now they have another legit scorer to go alongside Curry, one of the best shooters in the league. The Mavericks were a mediocre 41-41 last season and if they can add at least one free agent they should be better next season, but it might be two or three seasons before the team makes another championship run like they did against the Miami Heat three years ago.