A largely disappointing 2017-18 campaign will now be followed by a crucial offseason that could decide the fate of the Dallas Mavericks for years to come.
With the Dirk Nowitzki era coming to a close, the Mavs will need new pieces to build around. Though he may not be the prime example of someone leading a rebuilding movement, the Mavs are guaranteed to have shooting guard Wesley Matthews for at least one more season. according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Matthews officially picked up his $18.6M player option for next year.
Story on Wesley Matthews opting into $18.6M deal with Dallas for 2018-19: https://t.co/KgBqYDSZ2b
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 30, 2018
Though this move was largely expected, the Mavs can now move on to bigger issues knowing they have a starting wing locked in for next season. Though Wesley Matthews is still a serviceable piece, he likely knows he may never receive a contract with his monetary value again, making opting in the wise decision.
Financially, this will surely hurt the Mavs but at least provide them some consistency which they have been lacking. Dallas now has a good portion of their starting five figured out in standout rookie Dennis Smith Jr, Harrison Barnes, and now Matthews after he picked up his option.
Though this is a step in the right direction for the Mavs, they are still a ways away from even approaching playoff contention in the Western Conference. They finished as the 13th seed out West with a pedestrian 24-58 record and hope to reverse these last two down seasons.
