Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in former lottery pick wing on the buyout market

The Dallas Mavericks are looking for wing help on the buyout market. General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison made that clear (subscription required) in an interview with reporters on Friday. They believe Josh Green can be their third ball-handler after the Kyrie Irving trade, and JaVale McGee has worked his way back into the rotation with two straight strong performances.

The Mavs' focus is finding a wing that can help fill the void left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure. Dallas had to trade their best perimeter defender to Brooklyn to land Irving. It has created more minutes for Josh Green, who is playing the best basketball of his NBA career, but Dallas still needs another option that they trust in a playoff series.

The addition of Kyrie makes Dallas players in the buyout market. Veteran players will want to join the Mavericks because they know that they will have a shot at making a deep postseason run. The latest rumors from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto have linked Dallas to Terrence Ross. Marc Stein confirmed the Mavs interest, but does the veteran wing fit?

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in Terrence Ross if he gets bought out

Ross has fallen out of the Magic’s rotation as they are going all-in on playing young talent. Orlando is heading toward another high lottery pick, so they are just letting their youth make mistakes. Over his 42 games this season, Ross averaged 8.0 points and 1.5 3-pointers made on 38.1 percent from downtown, but he has not seen action since Jan. 21.

The Mavericks want floor spacers around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but their primary focus is on the defensive end of the floor. Dallas will have to get stops in the playoffs, and they need more talent to do that. Ross rates as a below-average defender, but the 32-year-old is 6’6 and athletic.

Head coach Jason Kidd transformed Dallas into a top-ten defense last season when everyone was locked in. Could he help Ross improve, and get his team to make another leap after struggling so far this season? The Mavs need to find a way to improve their defense if they are hoping to make another postseason run this season, and one pickup on the buyout market will not be enough. It will take a total team effort to improve.

Should the Dallas Mavericks target Terrence Ross on the buyout market? They need another rotation player, and the Mavs have an open roster spot. Who will Dallas go after? Stay tuned to find out.