Can the Dallas Mavericks trade for Vasilije Micic? Will they?

Can the Dallas Mavericks trade for Vasilije Micic?

Micic was a second-round pick in 2014 by the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired his draft rights in 2020. The Thunder are the only NBA team that can sign him unless they trade his rights elsewhere.

The Thunder love to stockpile draft picks, so they are likely asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Micic’s draft rights. This is where things get more complicated. Micic is rumored to be making $3 million per season in Europe. As a second-round pick, there are zero salary restrictions on his new deal, but the team must use cap space or an exception to sign him.

The Mavericks just did this with Jaden Hardy. If the player signs for the minimum it is limited to a two-year deal. Dallas inked him to a three-year contract by saving a piece of their mid-level exception.

Micic could sign with the Spurs or Pacers for more than the minimum of just over $1 million for next season. Those are the only two teams with cap space available. The other 27 teams would have to sign him to a one or two-year minimum deal or use part of an exception to give him additional money.

The Dallas Mavericks would be limited to the minimum deal, and he would have to be willing to accept a two-year contract and a significant pay cut to join them.