The last few free agency runs have seen the Dallas Mavericks coming up short. They missed out on getting point guard Deron Williams. Last summer they missed out on getting Dwight Howard. Now the team is setting up for a big run in 2014 as plenty of marquee players become available. Their first target, Chris Bosh.
This summer, Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be able to opt out of their contracts and head elsewhere. They could all earn more money and longer deals if they so chose. Each member is remaining coy on what their future looks like after this season, but the Mavericks are making it clear they intend to go after at least one of them.
ESPN reports the Dallas Mavericks are in the midst of clearing cap space and are expected to target Dallas native Bosh with a max-contract. Dirk Nowitzki has already said that he intends to take a pay cut with his next contract in order to free up space to sign a few other marquee players. The Mavericks do not have a great track record when it comes to chasing top free agents, but that will not stop them from pursing Bosh.
Bosh's future could be determined by what James and Wade opt to do. All signs are point to Wade finishing out his career with the Heat. Odds are that James stays considering jumping over to teams like the streaky Cavaliers or the wounded Lakers does not seem that enticing. Bosh appears to be the only one on the fence. He recently said to the Miami Herald that a lot will depend on whether or not the team wins their third-straight title.
"I was like, 'Man it's been four years already? But we're professionals. We know it comes with the job," Bosh said. "We can't do anything about it. We just have to make sure we take care of our business, stay together and just really answer the call to adversity when it comes." ...Everybody wants to know what we're going to do (after the season). "Yeah, I get it. Everything depends on this season. If we win, cool. If we lose, that's when it's like 'What if?'"
If the Heat fall short of their goal, the Mavericks might have a strong shot at landing Bosh with the right amount of money. They will have the space to give him the deal he likely wants, but will they have the other pieces to win him over?