Mavs Best Low-Risk, High-Reward Options in Free Agency

Adreian Payne

One of the quieter names on this list is Adreian Payne, who has spent his first three seasons primarily with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although he made his first big splash immediately after being traded from the Hawks to the Wolves, his last two seasons have been underwhelming and his minutes have decreased from year to year.

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Although his play has definitely declined over the last two years, he is not a bad player. His role has been taken over in a growing Minnesota team and his minutes have diminished for good reason, not so much lack of production. Payne had a great college career at Michigan State as well and is just capable of improving his overall play in the right situation.

The Mavericks would like to have a player like Adreian Payne because he can play the 4 and would give Dallas another player if Dwight Powell were to get traded. Dirk is going to need a good backup and Payne would get the opportunity for the first time to actually show what he is capable of. It would be a good situation for both parties.

This deal would not work I believe if the Mavs do not want to search the open market. It would seem like a good fit with a guy who barely fell out of the NBA lottery but sometimes things just don’t make overall sense. Either way, I think Payne will have a chance to make his name known during his career.

Next: Jason Terry