Dallas Mavericks rumors: Not planning to pursue Kawhi Leonard

The Dallas Mavericks plan on improving their roster this summer. They want to build a championship team around Luka Doncic. The Mavs know they need more talent after two straight first-round playoff exits. They will have cap space but need to land a marquee name to make the push.

Kawhi Leonard is the prize of this year’s free-agent class. The five-time All-Star is one of the best players in the league. Every team dreams of signing Leonard, and the Mavericks have been rumored as a threat.

According to Marc Stein, Dallas does not plan to wait on Kawhi’s decision. He notes the Mavs are locked in on signing Kyle Lowry and Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason. Here is a closer look at why they should not wait for Kawhi.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks not planning on pursuing Kawhi Leonard

Free agency opened on June 30 in 2019, but Kawhi did not make his decision until July 9. He waited for the Clippers to trade for Paul George before landing there. Leonard going to the Clippers allowed Danny Green to sign with the Lakers. The Mavericks were going to sign Green had Kawhi chosen to team with LeBron James.

Leonard has given no indication he is leaving his hometown, and the 30-year-old superstar has zero reasons to rush his decision. If the Dallas Mavericks wait on the dream of Kawhi, they will certainly miss out on multiple targets. The Mavs have made this mistake before. Andre Iguodala talked about it in a recent episode of J.J. Redick’s The Old Man and the Three podcast.

The Mavs should steer clear of the Kawhi Leonard market unless they are 100 percent positive he is coming to Dallas. Owner Mark Cuban and his organization need to land a marquee name this offseason to take the next step with Luka Doncic at the helm. Can they make it a reality? Check back to The Smoking Cuban daily for all the latest.