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Dallas Mavericks (42-40)
*Photo via AP
Recap
This past season, the Dallas Mavericks weren’t title contenders, nor were they lottery bound. They were middle-of-the-pack, just good-ol mediocre, finishing the season 42-40. Fortunately for Dirk Nowitzki and a solid cast of veterans featuring the native son, Deron Williams and newbie, Wesley Matthews, 42-40 in the ultra competitive West was good enough to qualify for a playoff spot, but in being the 6th seed, the Mavs drew the Oklahoma City Thunder which made for a very short and sweet 2016 playoff experience.
Free Agents
Restricted – Dwight Powell
Options – Salah Mejri, JaVale McGee, Chandler Parsons, Deron Williams, Dirk Nowitzki
Unrestricted – Raymond Felton, David Lee, Dirk Nowitzki, Zaza Pachulia, Chandler Parsons, Charlie Villanueva, Deron Williams
Who Leaves, Who Stays
Expect Dirk to opt in and continue his career as a Mav. According to ESPN.com, Chandler Parsons has agreed to a $94.8 million dollar deal with the Memphis Grizzlies over four years. Initially, Parsons was offered the max from the Portland Trailblazers when free agency began. Mejri, Mcgee and Pachulia could all be back for an encore on the cheap.
Needs
If Deron Williams remains in Dallas, a backup pg should be a priority in free-agency. A shooting guard to relieve Wesley Matthews would also be smart. Mavs need size in the frontcourt so guys who don’t need the ball to be effective- will excel here-playing alongside Dirk.
Possible Moves
Arron Afflalo – Good shooter who likes to post up
Greivis Vasquez – solid, point guard with size
Jeff Green – Versatile, has great size and can guard multiple positions
Courtney Lee – Finals experience, good shooter, defense
Matthew Dellavedova – He does have a ring and his effort would make him a crowd favorite