Ranking Dallas Mavericks free agent targets by position

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ONTARIO, CA – OCTOBER 04: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball while being guarded by Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets during a preseason game at Citizens Business Bank Arena on October 4, 2017 in Ontario, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guards

3. Patrick McCaw

One wonders about the untapped potential of Patrick McCaw. He is the typical Golden State Warrior in that he is athletic, defensively skilled, and a good shooter. The Mavs added length when they drafted all 6”8 of Luka Doncic but need to get significantly bigger if they hope to become better on the boards and defensively.

McCaw fits that mold for the Mavericks. Golden State probably has a certain ceiling that they won’t cross when it comes to matching an offer sheet for McCaw, given their already gigantic payroll. The Mavs are still convinced that they can land one of free agency’s biggest names, but if they can’t McCaw should interest them.

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

It was obvious that Caldwell-Pope’s time in Los Angeles was going to be short. He signed a rich one-year contract to sign with the Lakers last summer, with the seemingly clear understanding from both sides that he was essentially a rental. The Lakers don’t appear to have too much space for Caldwell-Pope now that they have centered themselves around LeBron James, and the Mavs should keep an eye on the talented shooting guard.

Caldwell-Pope is athletic, rangy, and active on the defensive end. The Mavs need youth and shooting in their lineup, and Caldwell-Pope provides that. His market will probably be dense which will drive his price up considerably, but the Mavericks should still be interested in his services given their needs on the roster and him only being 25.

1. Will Barton

Will Barton turned down a lucrative extension from the Denver Nuggets during the season, instead hoping for a bigger payday in free agency. The Nuggets are focused on extending star big man Nikola Jokic to a $146 million extension, which will make them think twice about paying premium dollars for Barton.

The Mavs finished 28th in scoring a year ago, and adding Barton’s 16 PPG would be a welcomed sight for Mavs fans. Rick Carlisle has done wonders with perimeter scorers in the past, and adding Barton would likely shift Luka Doncic to small forward to make room for Barton in the starting rotation. The Mavs lack top flight scoring at the moment, and Barton, while expensive, would be a good first step towards improving the offense.

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