Mavericks still miles ahead of Nuggets after free agency shocker

The Dallas Mavericks have three offseason moves that management needs to be proud of.

Many teams have made some interesting moves to try and improve their roster.

The Mavericks had interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but he eventually signed a deal with the Orlando Magic.

This is significant to Dallas in a way, not because they missed out on Caldwell-Pope, but because one team in the Western Conference will look significantly different.

Mavericks still miles ahead of Nuggets even after they signed Russell Westbrook

Recently, veteran point guard Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz but is expected to join the Denver Nuggets after a buyout from the Jazz.

This is really the first major headline for the Denver Nuggets this offseason, and they will have questions on whether young guys like Julian Strawther and Christian Braun can get more productive quickly.

The question is: what will this mean for the Mavericks?

While the Dallas roster is getting stronger, it seems like the 2023 champions aren't the same, especially after losing Caldwell-Pope to the Magic. If Westbrook is expected to be the main facilitator for Denver, the Mavericks have a good matchup against Denver, if the Mavs are at full strength.

Westbrook has recently become a villain for Mavs fans, and that will continue throughout his time when Dallas plays Denver. Westbrook was a liability on the court for the Los Angeles Clippers, especially in a chippy Game 3 against Dallas in the first round of the playoffs.

His 0-7 shooting night combined with an ejection was the icing on the cupcake to see that Dallas now has Westbrook's number.

We've seen heated matchups in the NBA Cup before, and that might happen when Dallas will meet Denver in the in-season tournament. While Jokic is a guy that every team has to worry about, the Mavericks have enough big men to rely on when it comes to defensive depth.

Westbrook is not the big threat that he once was, a former MVP is now seen as a bench player on a plethora of NBA teams. His athleticism will be depended on for Denver, but the Mavericks have shown that they already have him figured out.

If and when this deal is complete, the Mavericks will be miles ahead of the 2023 NBA Champions.

For more Mavs news on free agency, stay tuned.