The Dallas Mavericks have some decisions to make regarding next year as only three players are under contract for the 2015-16 season. Dirk Nowitzki is guaranteed to come back. Chandler Parsons will be entering his second season with the Mavericks. However, after those two there are a lot of question marks. The Mavericks already plan on being spenders in free agency with the goal to get Nowitzki another title, but will current roster players have a chance at coming back as well?
According to the Dallas Morning News, the player that stands the best chance at getting another deal is Tyson Chandler. The Mavericks made a pre-season trade with the New York Knicks to bring back the defender and it was a move that paid off as Chandler remained the defensive anchor the entire season. However, he came to Dallas with an expiring contract, but has no interest of hitting the market again.
"Nothing's ever for certain," Chandler said, via the Fort Worth Star Telegram. "That's the whole thing about the summertime. You just have to see how it plays out. I think management will do a job of bringing the right personnel here -they always have throughout the years. I think they'll have opportunities. I think this summer they have flexibility, maybe more than they've had in the past. So being a good organization and a good city, you have opportunities with free agents, but you kind of have to see how it plays out."
ESPN's Tim MacMahon is reporting that the Mavericks could first test the waters of some free agent big men to see who else would be a good fit for the team. MacMahon believes that the Mavericks will make a big push for either DeAndre Jordan or someone like Greg Monroe before coming back to Chandler and it all comes down to age. Jordan is 26 while Chandler is 32. Chandler is expected command a little bit of money and a deal that offers security for the rest of his career. If Dallas is handing out a multi-year contract, it will be to Jordan.
Recruiting Jordan will not be easy. Team sources told ESPNDallas.com that Jordan would be interested in coming to Dallas, but might prefer to stay with the Clippers if they offer him a good deal. Outside of Jordan or someone like Monroe who will also be very popular coming up, LaMarcus Aldridge could be an option for size. The Oregonian has reported that Aldridge is expected to leave Portland and could eye a return home back to Texas.
The Mavericks have some holes to fill. Monta Ellis is expected to opt out of his player option while Rajon Rondo has been all-but confirmed to not return. Outside of getting younger size on the roster, players like Goran Dragic or Reggie Jackson could also be options for the point guard spot.