While in need of a point guard, the Dallas Mavericks are also looking at elite defenders for the roster. Rajon Rondo is expected to depart in free agency, but Tyson Chandler could be headed with him depending on contract demands. That would leave Dallas with a huge hole to fill on the court, but the team is already making plans to do just that. As a rumored sign-and-trade deal for DeAndre Jordan continues to get floated around, who else will the team aim for?
According to the Dallas Morning News, Chandler is Plan B for the Mavericks. The center did what was necessary last year after getting traded from the New York Knicks. However, his age is working against him. The Mavericks will not be willing to shell out the money for Chandler when there are other options available on the open market. If Dallas were to miss out on certain players, Chandler could come into the discussion, but not before.
According to Yahoo Sports, Marc Gasol is an intended target for Dallas as they could be preparing to offer a max contract for the center. Gasol has been discussing free agency more and more lately. The Memphis Grizzlies have made it known they fully intend to win Gasol over with money, but the center is beginning to hint that he likes the idea of potentially heading elsewhere.
"The city isn't so important like it was in Pau's case," Gasol said, via EuroHoops.net. "My brother had other needs. People with sons knows how this works. I don't have time to go to the opera, or to the theater. New York is nice but it was very cold during the All Star Game. San Antonio, L.A, Atlanta... there's good things everywhere. I have a simple life: at home, the arena, the supermarket. Memphis is quiet. In Fort Yukon, Alaska, I would also be happy."
The Mavericks are also eyeing players like Roy Hibbert and Brook Lopez if they opt out of their respective contracts. Greg Monroe is available as well as hometown hero LaMarcus Aldridge. All of these players will have a lot of competition surrounding them in the coming months which means that Dallas might miss out and be forced to simply re-sign Chandler to a short-term deal.
According to ESPN, the Mavericks are still eyeing Jordan should he head elsewhere from the Los Angeles Clippers. Head coach Doc Rivers made it clear the team will be offering the center a max contract which could entice him to stay. The Mavericks want to trade Chandler and potentially Raymond Felton to acquire Jordan which would give Los Angeles financial freedom, but they appear content to retain the defender for the long-term. Mark Cuban will have to be aggressive for the deal.
