The Dallas Mavericks have been eyeing several defensive players in free agency while the team will also be looking for a new point guard. Once again, Mark Cuban is planning on being very active in free agency after last year's trading and spending resulted in a first-round exit in the postseason. While the team has had their eyes set on DeAndre Jordan as a top target in free agency, will Tyson Chandler end up being their center once again?
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks were hoping to be serious contenders for Jordan who was reportedly unhappy with his place with the Los Angeles Clippers. Team sources were reporting that Cuban was eyeing a sign-and-trade that would send Chandler and Raymond Felton to Los Angeles in exchange for Jordan. However, Jordan might be off the market rather quickly leaving Dallas to search for other options.
ESPN.com's Arash Markazi is reporting that head coach Doc Rivers is confident Jordan re-signs with the Clippers as the team has a max contract with his name on it. The Clippers are finalizing a trade that involves sending Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Lance Stephenson. This not only clears up the salary cap space to re-sign Jordan, but it also makes his spot on the team more prominent with Hawes out of the picture.
Assuming Jordan is off the market, the Mavericks will likely re-sign Chandler for the position. ESPNDallas.com is reporting Chandler has always been the Plan B option for the Mavericks. Dallas could chase Marc Gasol or Greg Monroe for the spot as well, but a contract for Chandler gives the Mavericks space to sign other players instead. LaMarcus Aldridge is a top priority as many believe the Mavericks hold the upper hand for the forward considering they have the hometown card. The Oregonian is reporting Aldridge will either re-sign with Portland or head to Dallas in free agency.
The Mavericks would also have to money to acquire a new point guard as Rajon Rondo is expected to leave in free agency. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Chandler Parsons is recruiting Patrick Beverley to the team while players like Goran Dragic or Reggie Jackson could also be solid options for the team in 2015.
