Mark Cuban has big plans for the Dallas Mavericks. As team owner, he is attempting to build a championship roster after winning the title just a few years ago. After a disappointing finish to the 2012 season, Cuban is looking several years down the road when it comes to the team's offseason moves.
Looking at his timeline, Cuban sees the Dallas Mavericks being championship contenders once again two years down the road.
"We want to be a championship team. We've never said we have to be a championship team this year. We want to be a better team, a top-seeded team. If we get the top free agent, that doesn't leave us a whole lot of flexibility to add a lot of players, but we have a good nucleus around them. We know we'll have a good team, but we don't know if we have a great team. If you look at this like a two-year plan, then we think we're on track to have a great team by the end of next year," Cuban told EPSNDallas.com.
Cuban's two-year plan will likely first include acquiring free-agent-to-be Dwight Howard. Cuban has said that Howard is his top target when it comes to offseason moves. The team is considering trading away their first-round draft pick in order to free up more salary cap space for the signing. Howard will command a top-dollar contract and Cuban is trying to make sure Dallas can offer him that.
Then what will happen in the summer of 2014? Players like Chris Paul, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony will all likely be available. Paul is not leaving the Los Angeles Clippers this year, but could head to Dallas next year. James and the rest of the Heat's big three can opt out of their contracts and become available.
Dallas had a terrible 2012 after failing to be more that a .500 team. They missed the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. Dirk Nowitzki spent most of the season injured and sitting on the bench, leaving the roster to be filled with second and third-tier players. Cuban has been known to strip the roster before and build from scratch, he could do that once again.
If Nowitzki can get healthy and back to his old self again, the Mavericks are in better shape to bring in several big named players. Cuban is aware the Mavericks need one or two more superstars before they are the team to beat.
