Despite an extremely disappointing 2017-18 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks do roster at least a few serviceable pieces going forward. Rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. will give them an identity with Dirk Nowitzki’s career winding down, and wings Wesley Matthews and Harrison Barnes give Dallas some perimeter scoring.
With an overall scarcity of talent on the Mavericks, keeping pieces such as the reliable Wesley Matthews becomes even more important. Matthews has the ability to become a free agent this offseason but recently told Mavs.com’s Dwain Price that he hopes to remain in Dallas.
Matthews has a player-option on his contract that will pay him $18.62 million next season. He said he will pick up that option and return and play next season with the Mavs.
“Obviously that’s something that hasn’t been on my mind,” Matthews said. “That’s what you have an agent for and agencies for.
“Like I said, I don’t plan on being anywhere else. And now it’s just focusing on getting back healthy, which I am now, and getting on this court.”
As pointed out, Matthews option next year will pay him $18.62 million before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Matthews was given a hefty deal from the Portland Trail Blazers but he has largely underproduced since, not living up to the lofty expectations that were set out for him.
Next year will have a major impact towards the type of pay-day Matthews commands on the open market next season. With a young, rebuilding team, Matthews should be afforded every opportunity to prove his worth, the key is remaining healthy.
Wesley Matthews was forced to miss the Mavs’ final 16 games with a stress fracture in his right fibula, appropriately capping off a disappointing season. On the year, Matthews averaged 12.7 points-per-game while shooting over 38 percent from three-point range in his 63 appearances.
