This NBA offseason, things are going to get very expensive for the Dallas Mavericks. They have the max contract kicking in for Luka Doncic and agreed to a new contract with Dorian Finney-Smith during the offseason. But, there is still plenty of work to do this offseason when it comes to the roster.
Dallas would love to retain point guard Jalen Brunson who is hitting free agency. The team should also be in the market for some help in the frontcourt, specifically at the center position.
When the Mavericks moved on from Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the trade deadline, it opened up a big hole in the middle. Dwight Powell has done an excellent job, but there has been little else to count on beyond him.
Davis Bertans, who was acquired in the trade from the Washington Wizards along with Spencer Dinwiddie, has not produced. Maxi Kleber is a solid option, but the team needs more than him as he is better suited in a combo role off the bench.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Lakers Actually Steal Jason Kidd From Mavericks?
This offseason presents very few options when it comes to free agency. But, one player that the Mavericks could show some interest in is Jusuf Nurkic. Nurkic has spent the last six seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers but is entering free agency.
It sounds as if there is strong interest from Portland to bring him back, but no one ever knows how free agency may turn out. Dallas could provide him with a better chance at competing right away as no one knows what the Trail Blazers roster will look like next season.
The biggest red flag when it comes to Nurkic is his durability. The Mavericks spent enough time worrying about whether Porzingis would be in or out of the lineup to want to do it again with another player. Nurkic played in 56 games this season, which is more than he played the last two seasons combined.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Lakers Actually Steal Jason Kidd From Mavericks?
When he is healthy, Nurkic produces at a good clip. But, you never know when he will actually be available to play. His price tag could also be outside of the Dallas Mavericks’ range, as their No. 1 goal this offseason is going to be re-signing Brunson.
During his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Jusuf Nurkic has averaged 14.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.9 steals in 27.1 minutes per game.
