Mark Cuban has been burned once again. The Dallas Mavericks owner told the media that he saw this one coming just like the DeAndre Jordan saga as Richard Jefferson opted to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers after giving a verbal commitment to Cuban. The Mavericks continue to search for a few more free agents to add to the roster with the money they spared from the Jordan deal. So who becomes a priority moving forward?
While Jefferson was not a huge name, he would have been an asset to the Mavericks. The veteran is a career 40 percent 3-point shooter while being able to give strong minutes off the bench. He averaged 5.8 points with Dallas last season in the small amount of time he saw on the court and the Mavericks were hoping to get him back under contract for at least another year. Dallas is still in search of defensive help and versatility off the bench. The team is quickly running out of options if they do not move soon.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, JaVale McGee is still very much an option, but the Mavericks need to move fast. Kendrick Perkins was swept off the market, leaving just a few talented big men left available. The Mavericks like the potential McGee would bring to the team. If healthy he can be a defensive star, placed under the rim to protect while also offering scoring potential. McGee would come relatively cheap for the Mavericks, but they need to sign him quickly before someone else does.
Carlos Boozer is also sitting around waiting on a deal. The veteran had a forgettable stint with the Los Angeles Lakers after success with the Chicago Bulls. He is still a defensive threat if in the right situation and the Mavericks could offer him that. Boozer and Zaza Pachulia would be a solid defensive tandem on the court for Dallas, but again they need to act fast since teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets have been mentioned as options.
Could Dallas still make a trade? According to Hoops Habit, Kenneth Faried remains available from the Denver Nuggets. The power forward would likely cost more than the Mavericks are willing to spend, but he could be an immediate starter if needed as Wesley Matthews and Chandler Parsons recover from injuries. The Los Angeles Times reports that Robert Sacre is available with the Lakers while the Cleveland Cavaliers are desperate to move Brendan Haywood. All of those players could be quality additions for the Mavericks.
