Why the Dallas Mavericks Are a ‘Winner’ This Summer

4 of 6

Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) warms up before game six of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3.) The Addition of Harrison Barnes

Once free agency began, it was pretty evident that Barnes was waiting on the Kevin Durant decision before he signed. If Durant picked anywhere else, Barnes would most likely be a Warrior right now.

But he didn’t and the Mavericks jumped on the opportunity to add a 24-year old small forward who averaged over 30 minutes a game on the 73 win Warriors. Not only that, but they got a young player who has only missed 21 games over his first four years in the league.

The opinions vary on Barnes and the contract given to him by Dallas, but I think it was a move that had to be done. Barnes will plug-in right away next to Wesley Matthews and form one of the best defensive wing combinations in the league while also allowing Dallas to play him a the four spot when going small.

Barnes gives Dallas a “James Harden-unknown” factor to be excited about as nobody really knows what Barnes can be outside of the shadows in Golden State. I’m not saying he will be James Harden by no means, but he could give Dallas more than what Chandler Parsons gave them.

Next: The Youth Movement