Why the Dallas Mavericks Are a ‘Winner’ This Summer

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Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4.) No Long-Term Veteran Contracts

Dallas went into this offseason with just six players under contract, thus making numerous roster spots available via free agency and the trade market. Remarkably, Dallas came out of the offseason without committing long-term money to any aging veterans.

After missing out on Mike Conley, they brought back Deron Williams on a favorable one-year contract worth $10 million. As mentioned before, Andrew Bogut’s contract comes off the books next summer. Dirk is in his own category, but even he is under contract for two years in what looks to be his last two in the league.

They let Raymond Felton, David Lee, Zaza Pachulia, and Charlie Villanueva walk in free agency for younger replacements. Even looking at the roster, J.J. Barea is the only player over 30 years old (besides Dirk) that is locked in past this coming season. Devin Harris has a non-guaranteed year for the 2017-18 season.

Next: The Young Champion