The Dallas Mavericks are looking to once again be aggressive in roster adjustments this offseason. Over the past very years owner Mark Cuban has spared no expense to add talent in hopes of winning another title. Last year he brought on Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons. He traded for Rajon Rondo. However, that was not enough causing the Mavericks to go back to the drawing board. As they prepare to target big names on the market, will it come at the expense of other players?
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, if Monta Ellis opts out of his contract to become a free agent, Dallas will not offer him any type of raise than the $8.72 million he is scheduled for next season. MacMahon reports that the Mavericks have not be thrilled with Ellis. They view him a s more of a one-dimensional player while he lacked team chemistry and did not click with Parsons who is inked to a long-term deal. As a result, if Ellis decides to hit the market, the Mavericks will make very little effort to retain him.
Losing Ellis would open the door for other moves the Mavericks are hoping to make. According to MacMahon, the Mavericks have LaMarcus Aldridge as their top priority. The forward is reportedly eyeing a return home in his next contract and the roster of the Mavericks is more appealing than the Spurs. Dallas also has the means to offer him the money he wants. The Mavericks are also hoping to re-sign Tyson Chandler who should come relatively cheap. However, that would eat up a majority of the team's cap space while still leaving holes at the point guard and shooting guard position.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks are also eyeing a sign-and-trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire DeAndre Jordan. That still does not solve the backcourt problems, but might give Dallas a little more wiggle room in terms of cap space. Players like Patrick Beverley or trades for Ty Lawson and Brandon Jennings could be options for the point guard spot. Beverley told the Houston Chronicle that Parsons is trying to recruit him to Dallas while Lawson is expected to demand a move from Denver.
The Mavericks have big plans this offseason, but if they spend too much on defense, they are then just relying on a strong frontcourt and very little outside shooting. Retaining Ellis at his current price is not a bad option if the Mavericks feel they can get someone like Aldridge or Jordan to pair with him.