12 Free agents Dallas Mavericks must pursue after Klay Thompson signing

8. Haywood Highsmith

The Dallas Mavericks do not have cap space to work with and are, in fact, above the luxury tax line. They only have a $4.4 million midlevel exception deal to hand out besides veteran minimum contracts. Would that be enough to lure two-way forward Haywood Highsmith to the DFW metroplex?

Probably not because the free agent is in high demand in the market right now for his 3-and-D potential. His skills, length, and athleticism have helped him carve a niche as an excellent perimeter defender. Highsmith has been fearsome as an on-ball defender and chasing opponents off the ball. Meanwhile, his efficiency from the 3-point land has consistently increased since his rookie year, shooting a career-high 39.6% from long distance last season.

Chances are the undrafted pro out of Wheeling University will remain with the Heat. But if he wants a change of scenery and a chance to play for a championship contender, Dallas is the place to be.

Interestingly, he has plenty of similarities with Derrick Jones Jr., whom the Mavs lost to a hated rival in free agency. Aside from their two-way abilities, they are undrafted gems and products of the Heat's vaunted player development program. Maybe Dallas can repeat its success by replacing Jones Jr. with Highsmith.