Mavericks re-sign J.J. Barea: Why training camp became more interesting

Dallas Mavericks re-sign J.J. Barea: Why training camp became more interesting

The Dallas Mavericks do not plan on making a first-round playoff exit in 2021. They qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2016, but the Clippers exposed multiple weaknesses during their series. The Mavs immediately went to work filling those gaps this offseason.

Their biggest move was trading Seth Curry for Josh Richardson. The 27-year-old gives them a defensive and playmaking upgrade. The Mavs also added Josh Green, Tyler Bey, and Tyrell Terry in the draft before trading for James Johnson to add some toughness to the roster too.

In free agency, the Mavericks added Wesley Iwundu along with re-signing Trey Burke and Willie Cauley-Stein. They also plan to bring back J.J. Barea. Fans can read the story here. That creates a problem for the Mavs. Let us take a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks re-signing J.J. Barea gives them a roster problem

Cauley-Stein will be back and the Barea deal is on the horizon, but that leaves the Mavericks an issue. Brad Townsend explains below.

There will be an open competition during training camp, and one player will not make the Mavs opening night roster. The battle is likely between Barea, Iwundu, Burke, and Terry. The first two names are the most likely to receive the ax. It will depend on what the organization wants on their roster.

The odds are stacked against Barea. The Mavericks have Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and Burke all capable of filling the point guard role. Barea’s lack of position flexibility makes it harder for him. Dallas could value his leadership over keeping Iwundu as an end of the bench wing, though.

The Dallas Mavericks appear to be done making moves until training camp. That is just over one week away, so fans will want to stay tuned for all the roster breakdowns and analysis heading into the season.