5 bargain bin free agent wings the Dallas Mavericks should target

Bargain bin free agent wing Dallas Mavericks should target: 4. Bruce Brown

Brown should get more than taxpayer mid-level exception this summer, but some players will be squeezed by the lack of cap space in the market. The 6’4 wing was a second-round pick in 2018, and he has proven to be a versatile and impactful defender with an improving offensive game.

The six players that Brown spent the most time guarding per NBA Stats matchup data were Darius Garland, Khris Middleton, RJ Barrett, Jimmy Butler, Trae Young, and Zach LaVine. That is five All-Stars and a 20-point per game scorer and future star. Brown plays physical defense and does not shy away from difficult matchups. He held Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to five of 12 shooting from the field when he was the closest defender this year.

Brown’s numbers do not leap off the screen. The 25-year-old averaged 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 24.6 minutes per game while shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 40.4 percent on his threes, and 75.8 percent from the foul line in his fourth NBA season.

He was just 38 of 94 from 3-point range, but his jumper is improving. Brown is by no means a floor spacer, but consistently knocking down shots will take his game to another level.

The Brooklyn Nets have no plans on letting Bruce Brown get away, but the Dallas Mavericks would be wise to offer him their full taxpayer mid-level exception to see if they can add the defensive-minded wing to their roster.