Mavericks miss perfect chance to fill glaring hole on roster in free agency

As the Dallas Mavericks’ offseason slowly unwinds, it’s without doubt that this has been one of Dallas’ best offseason periods in franchise history. Even if Dallas’ move to sign-and-trade for Klay Thompson somehow doesn’t end up panning out the way they hope it does, the Mavericks undoubtedly proved themselves as a new hotspot for prospective free agents in the future, as the Mavericks’ culture in their front office has done a complete 180-degree turn compared to where it was at a few years ago. 

The Mavericks have built a championship-level organization in all facets and have become a much more attractive destination with President of Basketball Operations Nico Harrison running the show, so marquee free agents are no longer just a pipe dream for Dallas, especially with Kyrie Irving and others aiding in recruiting players to come play for the Mavericks.

Despite most of Dallas’ free agency signings being wrapped up, rumors have been swirling about the Mavericks potentially adding another ball handler or point-of-attack defender to this team with the final roster spot, as Dallas is missing a little pop off the bench from the two-guard spot with both Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. having been traded this offseason.

Mavericks miss perfect chance to sign Russell Westbrook

 While Dallas could look within to mend this issue, adding another rotation-caliber defender who can also assume some ball-handling duties could be the final piece toward getting this Mavericks team back to the NBA Finals next season. 

Dallas has been rumored to be in play for a flurry of different targets who fit the mold of that type of player, and they unfortunately just let one of them slip off the board to one of the most formidable teams in the Western Conference, as it looks like Russell Westbrook will sign with the Denver Nuggets after being bought out by the Utah Jazz. 

To be clear, the Mavericks were never mentioned as a potential suitor for Westbrook once he was traded from the LA Clippers to the Jazz and eventually bought out, but his energy could’ve been used off the bench for the Mavericks without a doubt. 

Dallas was interested in adding backcourt depth off the bench, and Westbrook would have been a solid addition.

Mavericks fans may be wondering how Westbrook would’ve helped this Dallas squad after he put up a less-than-ideal shooting performance in the first round of the Playoffs versus the Mavericks this past spring, but the 35-year-old guard is still a great athlete who can set up offensive actions and bring contagious energy on the defensive side of the ball.

 In the right role, Westbrook would have certainly thrived for the Mavericks coming off the bench, as he’s still an elite driver and transition finisher who could definitely take some steam off of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic from a playmaking perspective as well. 

Westbrook’s shooting numbers have obviously depreciated drastically over the past couple of seasons, but he still could’ve helped the Mavericks within the margins, even if there are likely better candidates to fulfill Dallas’ need for another playmaker and perimeter defender. 

Hopefully, the Mavericks can figure this need out before the start of next season, as it isn’t something that is entirely pressing given how well Dallas did in free agency, but could be the difference in the Mavericks getting back to the Finals next season with how stacked the Western Conference is.

For more on the Dallas Mavericks throughout the rest of the offseason, stay tuned as we will have you covered.