Mavericks’ Offseason Targets: Charlotte Hornets

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.

Last Time: The Brooklyn Nets

This time we have the disappointing Hornets.

Charlotte Hornets

Nov 14, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard

(1) handles the basketball against the Phoenix Suns guard

(1) in the first half at US Airways Center. The Hornets won 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Free Agents

Al Jefferson and Gerald Henderson both hold player options. It’s unlikely Jefferson opt out of $13.5 million. If he were to, the fit next to Nowitzki would be a nightmare, especially on the defensive end.

Henderson could look for a long-term deal in a more stable situation. With Lance Stephenson and P.J. Hairston on the roster, there’s no guarantee for minutes or a starting spot for Henderson in Charlotte. He could be a nice piece to either put behind Monta Ellis or to even start (if Ellis opts out and leaves). Henderson isn’t a great shooter, but offers good size and athleticism at shooting guard.

Mo Williams could be looked at as well. He won’t offer much on defense and isn’t a great playmaker, but he is a capable shooter and scorer. In 27 games with Charlotte, he averaged 17 points and shot 33.7% from three.

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Trade Targets

The name that makes the most sense on Charlotte for Dallas is Lance Stephenson. The Mavericks reportedly had a deal in place with Stephenson if the Houston Rockets matched Parsons’ offer sheet.

Stephenson endured a terrible first season with the Hornets. He averaged just 8.2 points and shot an abysmal 37.6% from the floor and 17.1% from three.

But with a cap friendly deal, taking a risk on Stephenson shouldn’t be out of the question. Fit with Rick Carlisle could be a concern. But if Stephenson could resemble his 2014 season, he offers defense, toughness, rebounding, playmaking, and some scoring. If not, the Mavs could have another Rajon Rondo situation.

Marvin Williams and Bismack Biyombo could be seen as backup options at power forward and the center spots.