Dallas Mavericks rumors: Team showing interest in John Collins

The Dallas Mavericks want to jump into title contention next season. They have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs two straight years. The new front office is determined to improve the roster around Luka Doncic to avoid making it three. The 22-year-old was unstoppable in the playoffs, but he did not get enough help to top the LA Clippers.

The Mavericks can create $34 million in cap space this summer. They would have to renounce their cap holds, decline Willie Cauley-Stein’s player option, and move on from Josh Richardson to clear that room. Dallas has a difficult decision to make between retaining Tim Hardaway Jr. or pursuing the marquee free agents on the market.

The rumor mill is heating up. On July 13, The Athletic’s Shams Charania rumored (subscription required) the Mavs as one of four teams expected to be eying restricted free agent John Collins. The Heat, Spurs, and Timberwolves join the suitors, but the Hawks have the right to match any contract. What would it take for the Maverick to win the bidding?

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks want John Collins: What would it take?

The Hawks were in the Eastern Conference Finals this year. They are going to match any reasonable offer sheet. It is going to take a max or near deal to sign Collins away from Atlanta. Opposing teams can offer a maximum four-year deal worth $125.9 million. Would Dallas be willing to offer that?

The Dallas Mavericks can create enough space to do it. Should they? It only makes sense for the Mavs if they view him as the piece that pushes them into title contention. Dallas would have to make the Collins and Kristaps Porzingis frontcourt pairing work.

The Dallas Mavericks are interested, but acquiring any restricted free agent is tricky. Stay tuned to see if they can sign him to an offer sheet this summer. Expect plenty more rumors in the coming weeks as well. Do not miss it.