The Dallas Mavericks are keeping their fingers crossed. The team is in hot pursuit of DeAndre Jordan, but the center is reportedly torn between the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers who can offer him an extra and about $30 million more in a contract. After coming to an agreement with Wesley Matthews, the Mavericks are forming Plan B options on the chance Jordan does not sign.
According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, Matthews will be turning down a large offer from the Sacramento Kings to join the Mavericks on a four-year contract. Sources report the Kings offered a deal in the range of $64 million, but Aldridge's first choice is to sign with the Mavericks after meeting with Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons. Matthews will take the spot of Monta Ellis, but the question remains just how healthy he is. Matthews' season ended early last year after an Achilles tear, but the star stressed that he will be healthy and ready to play next season.
With Matthews all-but locked down, attention shifts to Jordan. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Jordan is truly torn between the Clippers and Mavericks. Dallas reportedly impressed Jordan in their meeting, stressing that he would be the star of the defense in a team desperately seeking an elite center. The Mavericks have a roster ready to win which could entice Jordan to sign over.
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Clippers meeting with Jordan went very well. They arrived with having just signed Paul Pierce which gives the team another scoring option. However, the reason Jordan has been taking free agency meetings is because he is tired of playing third wheel to Chris Paul and Blake Griffin who are the media stars of the team. There is no question that Jordan thrived under Doc Rivers, becoming an elite defensive player, but he is looking for a bigger role that the Clippers might not be able to offer.
If the Mavericks were to miss out on Jordan, they have other options. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, if the Mavericks do not sign Jordan, they will target Roy Hibbert in a trade from the Indiana Pacers. Dallas would also chase Robin Lopez or David Lee if they are the only option. The Pacers are aiming to shed the $15.5 million salary of Hibbert and he would certainly fill the center void for the Mavericks.
The salary of Hibbert would prevent the Mavericks from making other moves, most importantly to their point guard position. ESPN is reporting the Mavericks are eyeing Patrick Beverley with a deal. Jeremy Lin could also be an option with Matthews now on the roster.