Dallas Mavericks: Josh Richardson has everything to prove in contract year

The Dallas Mavericks made a draft-night trade that sent Seth Curry to Philadelphia for Josh Richardson and a second-round draft pick. They hoped that adding a player like JRich would improve their 111.7 defensive rating, but it has decreased to 115.4 this season.

In his first four seasons, Richardson took a step forward every year. In addition to his defense, he went from averaging 6.6 points per game as a rookie to 16.6 in his fourth year in Miami. Unfortunately, it appeared that JRich took a step back last season in Philly.

The national media attributed his decline to poor roster construction and an imperfect fit in Philly. After 19 games in Dallas, Mavericks fans are nervous that the team received the Philadelphia version of Josh Richardson instead of the Miami standout.

Josh Richardson has everything to prove with the Dallas Mavericks this season

Richardson missed nine straight games in the health and safety protocols, giving fans slightly more patience, but Maverick fans may begin to hope the team does not sign him to a long-term extension this summer if his shooting slump continues.

Richardson is averaging 12.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game on 42.3 percent from the field, 29.6 percent from three, and 93.3 percent from the line this season. He is shooting 55.1 percent on two-point field goals. JRich has shown flashes of playmaking, mid-range shooting, and defense, but his inconsistency and poor 3-point shooting have hurt the Mavericks.

Josh Richardson makes $10.8 million this season. Before he was traded to Philly, many thought JRich was on one of the most team-friendly deals in the NBA. Has Richardson earned a massive contract this summer? What has he proved and what does he still need to do for the Dallas Mavericks to consider re-signing him in the 2021 offseason?

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