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Dallas Mavericks: Ranking the 10 best free agent targets for the Mavs

By Kohl Rast

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks after passing Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks after passing Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors complains over a foul call on him against the Houston Rockets to referee Josh Tiven #58 during Game One of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2019 in Oakland, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors complains over a foul call on him against the Houston Rockets to referee Josh Tiven #58 during Game One of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2019 in Oakland, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Kevin Durant

Despite definitely being considered the best player in free agency, I don’t see Kevin Durant as the best guy for the Mavs. This is not based on his fit or his ability as most of us know those things would be great with Durant in Dallas. No, my big issue with KD is definitely the worrisome leadership issue.

Durant has gone from a guy that was well respected in the league to kind of a bad guy after what happened with Oklahoma City. Although I think that whole thing was super overblown, it is interesting to see the change in his own demeanor, going from the guy to just someone who goes out there and gets his job done.

Most of us are familiar with what Durant can do on the court. He is potentially one of the most elite and unstoppable scorers the NBA has ever seen and his defense is really quite good despite getting limited recognition for it.

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If Durant played in Dallas, he would bring an elite scoring presence and a nice defensive sidekick to Kristaps. It would be really interesting to see him in Dallas to see if he would be ready to lead a bunch of youngsters to the playoffs. That would be my biggest worry if KD did end up going to the Mavs.

Durant is probably the least likely name on this list to land in Dallas. Even though he played college ball in Texas, it seems that New York, Los Angeles or Brooklyn would be the most likely destinations. Crazier things have definitely happened, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend holding your breath for that kind of miracle.