Dallas Mavericks: 5 free agents to replace J.J. Barea if he leaves

Free agent that could replace J.J. Barea for Dallas Mavericks: 2. Austin Rivers

Rivers is not a true point guard, but the Mavs may not need one. If they bring back Trey Burke (he is an unrestricted free agent), coach Rick Carlisle can use him at the point. That just leaves a position open in the backcourt. Rivers would be competing against Burke, Jalen Brunson, Seth Curry, and Delon Wright for minutes off the bench. The Mavericks would have one of the deepest backcourts in the NBA.

Rivers averaged 8.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 23.4 minutes per game this season playing for the Rockets. The 28-year-old shot 35.6 percent from 3-point range. He can nail them off the dribble or the catch. Rivers is an above-average defender that can handle the ball and make plays.

He also gives Dallas another veteran with playoff experience. Rivers has played in 45 postseason games over five different seasons. The 28-year-old would be another solid and productive veteran coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks.

He has a player option worth $2.4 million for next season. Rivers would have to decline it to hit the open market. Would he be willing to turn it down to sign a similar deal with the Mavericks?

Next: No. 1