Rumors: Dallas Mavericks out on Mitchell Robinson in free agency

The Dallas Mavericks need a center upgrade this offseason. They struggled to rebound and protect the rim in the playoffs, and general manager Nico Harrison pointed directly at those two areas when asked what the team needs on May 27.

The Mavs are over the salary cap and limited in what moves they can make this summer. They will have the taxpayer mid-level exception and minimum contracts to hand out in free agency, plus the 26th overall pick in the draft. The rest of the Mavericks upgrades will have to come from trades.

Some fans have dreamed of Dallas adding Mitchell Robinson this summer, but the latest rumors suggest that MFFLs should not get their hopes up about the Knicks big man.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks out on Mitchell Robinson in free agency

Robinson is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but the New York Post’s Marc Berman reported that the Mavs have no interest in Mitch Rob “at his hefty price tag (at least $11 million per) and has its sights on cheaper free-agent centers”.

Dallas is limited to offering Robinson or any free agent the full taxpayer mid-level exception of $6.1 million. Any more than that, and the Mavericks would have to acquire the player via a sign-and-trade. Those scenarios are unlikely because it would hard cap Dallas. They would be unable to spend more than $155.6 million on their roster, which would mean doing some significant salary dumping.

There are numerous quality centers that will be available for less than the taxpayer mid-level. The Dallas Mavericks will be looking to acquire someone at a discount, but finding the right piece is key in taking another step forward.

Mitchell Robinson is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, and he is going to get paid this offseason. Where will he land? Berman reports Mitch Rob plans on taking the most lucrative offer in free agency. It won’t come from the Dallas Mavericks, but they will find a center upgrade this summer. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.