The Dallas Mavericks long have been a team that has been aggressive in pursuing big-name free agents. While they have often swung and missed, they still have their eyes on rising NBA star John Collins to pair him with Luka Doncic.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Mavericks are expected to make a ‘significant offer’ to John Collins in restricted free agency.
“Finding a bona fide second option for [Luka] Doncic is paramount to optimizing the young superstar, and Dallas can still clear max cap space this upcoming offseason. If John Collins were to reach restricted free agency, expect the Mavericks to make a significant offer, according to league sources.”
The Mavericks have made it a priority to maintain open salary cap spending room for next NBA offseason. Dallas would need to offer enough compensation on an offer sheet to make the Atlanta Hawks uncomfortable with matching for John Collins.
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Before the 2020-21 season began, John Collins and the Hawks were ‘far apart’ in contract talks. He remained adamant about receiving a max contract but Atlanta was clearly reluctant to oblige, resulting in the start to the season not being met.
When thinking about the potential fit for John Collins with the Mavericks, there’s plenty to like. He is an efficient catch-and-shoot threat and dynamic rim roller. When paired with Luka Doncic, the possibilities for a player with such a skill-set are fascinating.
The Dallas Mavericks may not end up with a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo as they initially had hoped. They may not even end up with a player of John Collins’ caliber, but they certainly will be trying to achieve that in NBA free agency. The Mavs will remain a team to watch in NBA rumors as a result.
