Why Josh Richardson is the perfect trade target for the Dallas Mavericks

Why Josh Richardson is perfect trade target for Dallas Mavericks: 2. Leaves options open

Richardson signed a four-year $42 million extension in Sept. 2017. He is under contract for next season at $10.865 million with an $11.615 million player option for the 2021-2022 season. JRich will be 27 years old and looking for a long-term deal. Expect him to opt out and hunt for a multi-year contract.

If the Mavericks trade for him this offseason, they get one year guaranteed from Richardson plus his bird rights. That means Dallas will be able to go over the cap to re-sign him.

The Mavs would only be able to give him a moderate raise, but with the flexibility of adding another key piece to the equation. It could be a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or an All-Star level player such as Victor Oladipo. Would Richardson re-sign to a moderate raise to join an annual title contender? The odds would increase significantly.

The Mavericks could also cut ties and let him walk in free agency if the partnership does not work out in year one. The fit seems right, but it would not be the first time things did not go as planned in the NBA. Trading for Richardson this offseason leaves the Mavs with options on how to build their roster into a title contender.

Next: No. 1