Dallas Mavericks: Why do they keep striking out in free agency?

Why the Dallas Mavericks did not make it happen in 2020

Fans are upset that the Mavericks did not land a big name this offseason. They dreamed of signing Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or Gordon Hayward, but that was not realistic. All of those players got considerably more money than the mid-level exception, which was all Dallas could offer. The Mavs did not try to create max room as they did in year’s past. Rightfully so because they have a strong roster and it was a weak free-agent class.

Fans can be upset the team missed on Jae Crowder, Montrezl Harrell, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol, but each man got a multiple-year contract. Crowder, Harrell, and Ibaka got the full mid-level exception or more too. The Mavericks wanted to keep max contract room open in 2021 meaning they could not offer more than one season.

The Gasol case was the most disappointing because he joined the Lakers for the veteran minimum when Dallas was offering more money, but he wants to win. Joining LeBron James has meant a trip to the NBA Finals in recent years. Luka Doncic and the Mavs are not there yet. They might be on pace, though. Luka Doncic becoming a proven playoff winner is the key to changing the organization’s fortunes.

Next: Looking ahead