The Dallas Mavericks thought they would be contenders this season. After adding several free agents last season, the team was hoping for a better outcome than a first-round exit. Now they are once again looking to make a splash in free agency as well as dealing with a new contract for long-time Dirk Nowitzki. So who is on Mark Cuban's short wish list?
The Mavericks' first priority is making sure Nowitzki avoids the free agent market. The veteran has expressed interest that he plans on returning no matter what and the feeling is mutual. However, deciding on a price will be the difficult task for Cuban and company. Nowitzki has stated he is aware that he will likely take a pay cut, noting that a Kobe Bryant deal is out of the question. The Lakers star signed an inflated two-year, $48 million contract extension to remain in Los Angeles. Dallas will not offer the same thing.
"I still think I'm going to play a couple more years at a high level. And we'll just have to wait and see, meet with Mark a bunch," Nowitzki said, via the Dallas Morning News. "I'm not going anywhere for a while. So we'll figure some stuff out the next couple weeks. We want to get better as a team. And I'm pretty sure I'm not going to sign Kobe's deal - unfortunately. We'll find a good way where I feel respected for what I did and we still have enough money left for us to get great players in here."
So with Nowitzki accepting a deal that will allow the Mavericks to chase other players, who does Cuban target? How about a return of center Tyson Chandler? After winning the 2011 championship, Chandler headed to the Knicks and that has yet to pay off. With one year left in his contract, the Dallas Morning News is reporting that a trade could be in the works. The Mavericks are in a hurry to try and take advantage of Nowitzki before he retires and getting Chandler back could certainly help.
Along with bringing Chandler back, the team is eyeing Luol Deng who is approaching free agency after spending time with both the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers this season. Deng's defensive abilities are something the Mavericks could really use, but he will not come cheap. Deng was traded originally because he and the Bulls could not agree on a contract extension. Deng wants to get paid and the Mavericks might not be able to afford him.
One more option could be Chris Bosh is getting a trade for Chandler fails. The Miami Heat star has the option of opting out his current contract with the Miami Heat and according Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com, the Mavericks would welcome him with open arms. Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns and Washington's Marcin Gortat could also find themselves getting a call from Cuban depending on other moves.