Mavericks' all-time 'what-if' free agency mistake still haunts them today

Throughout franchise history, the Dallas Mavericks have had moments that set the franchise back. From having the 1990s become the lost decade, from passing on Charles Barkley in the draft, to potentially the Luka Doncic trade in 2025 that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.

Along with the aforementioned fumbles by Dallas, one decision was made in 2004 that turned out to be a rough one that Mavs fans may never get over. That was letting Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash walk in free agency. After leaving Dallas for the Phoenix Suns, Nash had his game elevated more by winning two consecutive MVP awards in his first two years with the Suns, which was a major slap in the face to Dallas.

It's been over two decades since Nash left Dallas for Phoenix. However, Nash's 2004 free agency is still being talked about today, but with great reason when it comes to the potential the Mavericks could've had if they had held onto him.

Steve Nash is still a big "what if" in Mavericks history

Yesterday, Lee Escobedo of Bleacher Report wrote an article titled "Every NBA Team's 'What If' Star of the Century." For the Mavericks, Escobedo picked Nash.

With how his career turned out after leaving Dallas, it's easy to pick Nash and always wonder what would've happened to the Mavericks and Nash had he re-signed in 2004 to remain in Dallas.

If Nash had re-signed in 2004, the chances the Mavericks may have won a title over the next three years would've been much higher with legend Dirk Nowitzki by his side. Particularly in 2006, a year that Mavs fans will never forget.

In 2006, the Mavericks fell to the Miami Heat in six games in the NBA Finals after leading 2-0 to start the series. While Devin Harris was a solid point guard in Dallas, Nash would've helped the Mavericks have a better chance to win the Finals over the Heat and bring them their first title.

"Nash's clutch shooting and relentless tempo alongside Dirk's spacing would have been unguardable," Escobedo said about the potential of Nash playing for the Mavs in the 2006 NBA Finals.

In reality, Nash turned into a better player when he left the Mavericks due to winning back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. Nash single-handedly helped turn the Suns into a contending team.

Nash led the NBA in assists five times after leaving Dallas, became a two-time All-NBA First Team and Second Team player, made six All-Star Games, and also showcased his longevity by playing for another decade. Nash silenced the doctors by staying healthy and dominating.

Although his career took off after leaving Dallas, it would've been unclear if his career would've been just as good or better had he stayed in Dallas. If Nash had stayed in Dallas, he might not have turned into one of the best passing point guards of all time.

Prior to Phoenix, Nash never had a season where he averaged over nine assists per game. After leaving Dallas, Nash seven seasons averaging 10 assists per game or better.

In 2006, the Mavericks got to stick it to Nash when the team defeated the Suns in the 2006 Western Conference Finals. However, having Nash from the 2005-2007 period brings up the question of how different the Mavericks franchise could've been with Nash on the roster.

"It is not a stretch to think Dallas could have won multiple titles had it kept Nash," Escobedo said.

What some may not think about is that if Nash had stayed, it would've been unclear if Nowitzki would've won an MVP award. Nowitzki did win one MVP in his career in 2007 when he ironically beat out Nash for the award. However, if Nash and Nowitzki were together for longer, it would've been unclear how different Nowitzki's career would've been from a statistical standpoint, but the Mavericks squad as a whole would've likely been better off.