Mavericks' stalled free agency finally comes alive with their first real target

The Dallas Mavericks haven't made a single move in free agency (or shown any real interest in signing a player) since it opened Tuesday, but a signing may be on the horizon. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, "the Mavericks have emerged as a suitor for Anfernee Simons." The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat also have interest in the 27-year-old guard.

Anfernee Simons rumor breaks Dallas' silent free agency

Dallas has finally been linked to a free agent in this latest Simons rumor, and Stein is among the most plugged-in insiders in the game. He reported the Mavs' Marcus Sasser trade earlier this week, and he wouldn't be reporting on Dallas' Simons interest if it weren't legitimate.

Simons' potential fit on the Mavericks makes perfect sense. They clearly need more guard depth after rolling with Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard as their starting point guards for most of last season. Even though Kyrie Irving is set to return from his ACL tear at the start of next season, they can't expect him to carry the offense on his own.

They need someone else who can create their own shot and provide instant offense outside of Uncle Drew. This is where Simons comes into play.

The Mavericks' offense needs a player like Simons

Last season for the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, Simons averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from downtown on 6.9 attempts per game. He's the definition of a score-first guard, and after watching how dysfunctional Dallas' offense was last season, they could use a player like Simons to bring a spark.

He excels at scoring at all three levels, with his shooting being his most dominant skill on the offensive end. The 6-foot-3 guard excels at breaking down defenders off the dribble, and his quick release helps him drain tough shots when the defense is all over him. His on-ball creativity helps him blow by defenders with his elite athleticism, as he has a solid floater and pull-up jumper to pair with solid finishing at the rim.

His offensive game is complete for a score-first guard, and his ability to play either guard spot makes him someone who would fit beautifully in Dallas. Simons can play with Irving or as a lead guard, as his off-ball movement and deadly 3-point shooting provide constant spacing when he's on the floor.

Simons' shooting is what makes him special

Defenses have to always pay attention to him due to his effectiveness as a movement shooter, and this will make life easier for everyone on the Mavericks. They shot 34.4 percent from three (26th in the NBA) on 31.9 attempts per game (27th in the NBA) last season, and Simons would immediately help bring both of those numbers up.

He has a knack for hitting contested shots and never refrains from shooting open looks. The Mavs need both of these things as they look to improve their offense around Cooper Flagg and Irving, and Simons would be a smart signing to improve the offense.

He has scored 30+ points 40 different times in his eight-year NBA career, including three games of 40+ points. Simons would immediately become one of the most dynamic scorers on the Mavericks' roster, and with their need for more shot creation and shooting, these rumors make too much sense to overlook.

What could a deal look like for Simons?

Dallas still has the mid-level exception to use in free agency, and signing Simons to a two-year deal at this figure (around $15 million annually) seems like the smartest move. This would give Dallas an avenue to get out of his contract quickly if things don't work out.

But, if things do work out, the Mavs would be landing a player who has averaged over 20 points per game multiple times in his career smack dab in the middle of his prime. That's hard to beat.

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