Theo Pinson dishes on his upcoming free agency

The Dallas Mavericks tanking the final two games of the regular season cost them $750,000 and a chance at the Play-In Tournament, but it allowed them to get the tenth overall pick after a nervous lottery night. It also created opportunities for players at the end of the bench.

Theo Pinson took full advantage with a 23-point triple-double in the final game that included him hitting five 3-pointers. The 6’5 wing is most known for his contributions from the bench in the team’s run to the conference finals in 2022, but he proved that he’s got game when given the chance.

Pinson has used that loss to the Spurs as motivation as heads into the offseason, and he is already back at the Mavs’ practice facility training, despite being an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 27-year-old had plenty of say to Mavs.com in his latest interview after doing some charity work for first responders.

Theo Pinson dishes on his upcoming free agency

Pinson heads to the open market, but he wants to return to Dallas.

"For sure. I love it here. They’ve been great to me. I’ve had a great time, and I got a good relationship with everybody in the organization."

Will the Mavericks bring him back? They have seven players heading into free agency, including Kyrie Irving. Re-signing the eight-time All-Star is the team’s top priority, but Dallas has plenty of work to do from there. They must upgrade the roster around Luka Doncic to return to contention, but that won’t be easy given their limited assets.

Pinson is already back to work with the Mavericks as he is improving his game and helping the team’s young talent. He wants to be part of the team's nightly rotation next season, and the 6'5 wing knows that is going to take massive improvements this summer.

"It really doesn’t stop. But it’s good to be back in the gym. We didn’t have the year we wanted. You want to still be playing at this time. Definitely a lot more fun (last season). But we’re going to get back there, for sure."

Will the Dallas Mavericks bring back Theo Pinson to be their 15th man? The new bench decorum rules limited his in-game impact, but Pinson is still a positive locker-room presence. Does the franchise value that over a young undrafted player to develop or a veteran that can lead the locker room? Nobody knows the team’s plans, but Pinson wants to return to the Mavs. Will the two sides work out a deal? Stay tuned to find out and for all the latest on the Mavericks this offseason.