NBA Free Agency: The Dallas Mavericks Should Target Nikola Mirotic

Dec 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks are in need of a stretch 4 that can help spread the floor and Nikola Mirotic could be the answer.

The NBA finals are upon us, and the Mavericks are once again sitting on the sidelines watching the two super teams fight for the reigns of NBA champions. Luckily, the Dallas Mavericks have something to look forward to. The impending offseason of 2017 will be marked with wonder over the first few months.

One thing that is for sure is that there are several gaps at different positions which need to be tended to in order to once again be competitive in the playoff mix. Dallas is slowly but surely embracing the rebuilding phase of the post-Dirk era.

Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

it is important that the team still maintains some core veterans to help out the youth movement in Dallas. A suggestion that many may question is the addition of a PF by the name of Nikola Mirotic. He is a restricted free agent who, for the most part, struggled to stay in the rotation this last season in Chicago.

Mirotic is under-looked at his position. He could potentially be a nice fit for the Mavericks at a fairly reasonable price. He is coming off a season in which, according to ESPN, he averaged 10.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, while only shooting 41% from the field, but shooting 34% from beyond the arc, which is great for a PF.

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It may seem risky to take a chance on a player who became invisible during stints in the regular season. But, what really intrigues me about Mirotic is his ability to light up from downtown. He can provide some much-needed floor spacing when he is slotted at the PF position.

As we remember during the season, Dallas struggled offensively much of the time and Mirotic could be the answer.

His floor spacing may be something the Mavericks should consider when going into the offseason. This is assuming that the Mavericks do not draft a PF who can stretch the floor with their No. 9 pick (Lauri Markkanen).

Dallas: The breakdown behind the move for Nikola Mirotic:

Mirotic is only 26. He is still young, and can still evolve into a solid rotation player, or even a starter in Dallas.

It may seem rather foolish to say that Dallas won’t at least consider looking at Niko. Imagine a line-up of Yogi/No.9 pick (potentially), Matthews, Barnes, Dirk/Mirotic, and a rim running Noel? That could make the Dallas Mavericks a fun team to watch once again.

It should be a priority for Dallas to have a PF behind Dirk that can space the floor. Especially considering that Powell may not be the answer. But for the Mavericks, what will it cost?

The Bulls may be inclined to offer him a deal, however, how committed would they be to matching any offer he does get in the offseason? Mirotic could be picked up at a decent cost, barring that Chicago does not offer him close to a max offer.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Is the Point Guard Carousel Coming to an End?

Niko could potentially tap into his potential by placing him in a Rick Carlisle system that demands obedience and hard work. If there is one player that I think the Mavs have a shot at signing and could potentially make a huge impact in the league next season, it would be Nikola Mirotic.