Mavericks’ Offseason Targets: Boston Celtics

The Dallas Mavericks could potentially have as few as three players (Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons, and Devin Harris are the only guaranteed deals on roster) under contract when the offseason gets rolling.

If we’ve learned one thing from previous seasons it’s that Mark Cuban and the front office will do whatever they can to explore every option on the market.

Whether it be via free agency or trades, the Mavericks will have plenty of work to do to fill and improve the roster.

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We’ll be exploring every NBA team’s roster to see which players the Mavs could potentially target this offseason.

First up: The team that delivered Rajon Rondo to Dallas.

Boston Celtics

Apr 23, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard

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(11) return to the bench during a break in the action against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 103-95. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Free Agents

The Celtics don’t have any big names on the market. Brandon Bass and Jonas Jerebko highlight their free agent list.

Bass, a one time Maverick, has another stead season. He averaged 10.6 points on 50.4% shooting and 4.9 rebounds in 82 games (43 starts). The team has struggled to find a consistent and reliable backup for Nowitzki, and Bass could fix that issue.

The Celtics acquired Jerebko midseason. In 29 games with the team, the 6’10” forward averaged 7.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 18.2 minutes of action. Many are hoping the team retains Al-Farouq Aminu, but if he is to leave, Jerebko’s length, defense, and energy could be used off the bench.

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Trade Targets

The Celtics have collected multiple players at different positions. Due to the numbers game, they could be looking to move a few of them to make room for their younger talents.

Avery Bradley, Evan Turner, Tyler Zeller, and Gerald Wallace could all probably be had for the right price.

Bradley, who just signed a four-year deal last season, and Turner are currently sharing backcourt minutes with Marcus Smart and Isaiah Thomas. James Young is also waiting in the wings to crack the rotation. With the Mavs needing a new point guard, Bradley’s defense and improving range could be a nice fit next to Monta Ellis (if he returns).

Turner has built a poor reputation among fans over the last few seasons. But with the Mavs’ bench playing so poorly last season, the Mavs could look to bring in the “Not great at anything, but decent at many things” forward for a punch behind Parsons and Ellis.

Zeller started 59 games and played in all 82 last season for Boston. But with Jarred Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk also in the front court, he could be the odd man out if the Celtics bring in another big via the draft. Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire are currently free agents, and though Zeller would be a severe downgrade over Chandler, he could be a nice piece over Stoudemire.

Wallace would be a desperation move for the Mavs. The player known as “Crash” has put so much wear and tear on his body.