The Dallas Mavericks went from overnight championship contenders to just a post-season contender as quickly as they made an impact on free agency, a big part of their plan is now gone.
The past 24 hours have been a blur as far as all of the rumors of DeAndre Jordan backing out from his original deal with the Dallas Mavericks, and this could hurt the Mavericks more than people think.
DeAndre Jordan was their key piece to lure free agents in and a hopeful ploy to pull star forward Kevin Durant away from a Western Conference foe, and help jump start a young nucleus in the Western Conference.
Now with Jordan backing out the Mavericks may be out of luck with their back up options as most of the key free agents have come to agreements with their respective teams.
Not that LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love were going to join the Mavericks, but a guy like Greg Monroe or Robin Lopez may have.
Jordan’s decision not only effects the Mavericks for this season, but long term too.
The Mavericks are certainly not getting any younger as they lost Rajon Rondo to the Kings in free agency and have a team centered around Dirk Nowitzki who still is playing at a high level, but for how long?
The team lost center Tyson Chandler in a deal to the Phoenix Suns which Chandler could’ve been re-upped if it wasn’t for Jordan backing out last minute. The Mavericks could potentially be interested in Pacers center Roy Hibbert who has proven at times to be a talent, but isn’t the force DeAndre Jordan has been for the Clippers.
Clearly Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan are wiling to work out the issues they had last season, and get Jordan the offensive touches he wants.
This move once again has the Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban striking out on a marquee free agent name, and this one isn’t even his fault.
Looking forward the Mavericks will have the cap space which is the only true high point here, but Jordan truly put the team in a bad position with little to no time to make up for in time lost with other free agents.
Could the Mavericks look to sign restricted free agent Enes Kanter? Is he really worth the money he wants or does Dallas want to even risk future cap space being tied up with him.
Does the team turn to Tristan Thompson who is good friends with LeBron James? Don’t waste your time even though talks with Cleveland have stalled.
The Mavericks could turn to free agent center JaVale McGee a consolation prize, and not as good as Jordan but he provides you with something.
Realistically this doesn’t end well for Dallas with no great back-up plan which could hurt the chances of the team landing a star player in the 2016 off-season with not enough talent on the roster.
One thing I do know though is Mark Cuban is not shy about stating his opinion, and I look forward to hearing his honest opinion about this.
Unfortunately for Cuban it may be time to start a rebuild especially if the Mavericks start to struggle in the regular season.
