Dallas Mavericks have cap space available in future seasons

The Dallas Mavericks need to spend wisely this summer. They have plenty of cap space available in future season to push them over the hump, if they save it.

Dallas Mavericks fans are anticipating a massive offseason. The Mavs have cap space to spend and plenty of top-end talent is hitting the open market. They should pursue any All-Star free agent, but the Mavericks must also spend wisely.

If Dallas strikes out at landing the top talents, should they still shell the money out for next season? Yes, but agreeing to short-term deals could be the key. ESPN’s Bobby Marks discussed the Mavs future cap space here. Dallas currently has $45 million in cap room in 2020 and $74 million in 2021.

Maintaining future flexibility is important given their young core. Luka Doncic only makes $7.6 million next season. The star is signed for just over $10.1 million in the 2021-2022 season meaning the Mavs have one of the best contracts in basketball. Throw in 23-year-old Kristaps Porzingis and the Mavericks should only improve as a team over the next three seasons.

As the roster takes a step up, more free agents will want to join the team. Dallas will also be attracting higher quality talents as they move up the standing. LeBron James made the NBA finals eight straight seasons by attracting talent to join his teams on below market value deals. If Luka becomes a top-five player in the NBA, he may be able to do the same.

Front office conundrum

The Dallas Mavericks want to make the playoffs next season. Striking out on the All-Star level talents could put their front office in a bind. They will want to add to improve their roster, but some players will only want two to four years on their contracts. The Mavs need to stand firm and only offer short-term.

The front office will be tasked with deciding which talents are worth long-term commitments. Some players help now but will be liabilities in the near future. Dallas needs to steer clear of those or convince them to sign one-year pacts.

Avoiding personal feelings

The Dallas Mavericks also need to avoid sentimental feelings when it comes to free agency. It is easy to re-sign talent you drafted or developed for more money than the open market is offering. The Mavs have to be careful to not fall into that trap.

The team has plenty of homegrown talent reaching the open market in the coming seasons, and avoiding overpaying them is crucial to maintain financial flexibility.

Stay tuned for plenty more free agency discussion and so much more Dallas Mavericks content at The Smoking Cuban.