Dallas Mavericks: Is Deron Williams the Best Option?

Is Deron Williams the best starting point guard option for the Dallas Mavericks this offseason?

The Dallas Mavericks have used the swinging gate method at the point guard position ever since Jason Kidd left. From Deron Collison and Derek Fisher, to Jose Calderon, to Jameer Nelson and Rajon Rondo, and finally settling with D-Will, Dallas has not kept the court leader the same from year to year.

This year presents a similar situation as Williams is a free agent and will be seeking for more money than he received in Dallas. He enjoyed his time with the Mavericks as it helped get his career back on track, but the fact remains that he will leave if that is the best option for him.

What the Mavs need to determine is whether or not it will be worth it to bring him back for the future. Williams will be 32 by the time next season starts and, with his injury history, presents a risk for any team willing to shell out some cash for his services. But are there actually better options out there for Dallas?

Mike Conley

Mike Conley will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and will be ready to explore his options around the league. A player as established and consistent as Conley comes with a price tag much steeper than that of Deron’s but as a clear upgrade for the future as well.

Conley has spent his entire career with the Memphis Grizzlies and has fallen short year after year in his quest for a title. As the Grizzlies look to potentially be in need of a rebuild around Marc Gasol, it will be interesting to see whether or not they choose to return Conley to the team or if he will even be interested in returning.

The Mavericks should definitely explore this option. Mike Conley is near an elite level point guard and plays well in every aspect of the game. Dallas would be crazy not to offer him money if he shows interest but, with the historical disinterest in playing for the Mavs, we shouldn’t set our sights too high.

If we miss out on Conley and lose Deron in the process, that most likely takes away our two best options at point guard.

Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin has a player option for this season which he would be smart to take and become a free agent. Playing possibly the best basketball of his career with Charlotte, Lin and his spiked hair has become a popular name in the NBA once again.

Lin really found a good spot as the back-up point guard to Kemba Walker. Being able to come off the bench and be the primary player on the court helped his game develop and show what he is capable of.

Although he has the option to leave, Lin might be crazy to do so as he has a great role with a solid team right now. However, if the Mavs offered him a lot of money to come and be the starter here in Dallas, it might change his mind.

Lin may not be the veteran presence on the court that Williams is but he does have upside and potential that may not have been met yet. Couple that with the fact that he is only 27 years old and it may be the perfect situation for Dallas to take a chance.

Mario Chalmers/Brandon Jennings

I pair both of these players together because of their similar stories in a way. Both solid guard options for their teams for a long time before tearing their Achilles. Jennings came back and was average but still doesn’t have a full healthy season under his belt since the injury.

Chalmers on the other hand is a little different, showing some real growth in his career and playing well before ultimately going down with the injury in Memphis and getting waived by the team. He has potential but it’s worrisome due to the injury.

Neither of these options are nowhere near as strong as the previous three and could be seen as more of a last resort if all else fails.

Rajon Rondo

Just kidding, Mavs fans.

Next: The Chances of Kevin Durant Coming to Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks will have their work cut out for them this offseason as they try to lure bigger names away from their teams while avoiding the dangerous situation of missing out on everyone, including the players we’ve already had.