The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 2019 campaign that gave a glimpse into an exciting future thanks to standout rookie Luka Doncic and a midseason trade for Kristaps Porzingis.
But the Mavs are far from satisfied and reportedly have their eyes set on a couple of prime free agents hitting the market this summer. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Mavericks are expected to pursue guards Kemba Walker and Khris Middleton once free agency begins on July 1.
Shooters, athleticism and veterans are said to be Dallas’ priorities to supply the budding star tandem of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis with some been-there wisdom.
There has been no indication to date that the Mavericks will get a sniff from the Kevin Durant/Kawhi Leonard/Kyrie Irving tier of free agents. I likewise continue to believe that Golden State’s Klay Thompson is 100 percent staying put with the Warriors and will not consider external suitors.
But league sources say that the Mavericks intend to fling themselves into the chase for Khris Middleton and/or Kemba Walker with gusto in hopes that they have a shot at one of them.
While Dallas may not be a preferred destination for some of the premier big name free agents, they certainly still remain an attractive destination considering their bright future. Both Kemba Walker and Khris Middleton would be able to walk into lead roles right away and would fit well with Dallas’ current roster construction.
Of course, Doncic would have to play off the ball much more if the Mavs were to add someone like Kemba Walker. Still, this would allow Doncic to improve other facets of his game such as moving without the ball and his spot-up shooting. Walker and Doncic would be a dynamic backcourt duo and either would be capable of exploding for a volume scoring night.
Middleton is likely the better fit for Dallas though, considering he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to thrive in an offense. Doncic would be able to remain the primary ball handler and Middleton would provide another sniper on the wing to go along with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee.
On the cusp of building something great as a new era dawns in Dallas, expect the Mavs to be one of the more active franchises on the free agent market this coming summer.
