Mavericks need Jordan or Aldridge after two major departures
The first day of the frenzy surrounding NBA free agency didn’t turn out well for the Dallas Mavericks.
While the Mavericks are still in the mix to acquire Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan and Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, a few free agents on their wish list have already gotten away.
Tyson Chandler didn’t sit around twiddling his thumbs while waiting for Jordan to decide if he wants to play for the Mavericks. Instead, the 32-year-old center agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.
Mavericks free agent forward Al-Farouq Aminu was first to slip away, taking a four-year, $30 million deal with the Trail Blazers. Then came the news from Chandler, who had expressed a desire to return to the Mavericks, but couldn’t pass up the Suns’ offer.
Chandler knew the Mavericks coveted Jordan more than they coveted him, and even told the media “business is business” this past weekend.
“At the end of the day, I get it,” Chandler said Saturday. “The [Mavericks’] franchise has to make the best decision for the franchise.
“Of course, you know I feel like I can go — I’ve still got a lot to give. But at the end of the day, I feel like I’ll make the best decision for myself and my family, and the Mavericks will make the best decision for the organization.”
Chandler helped the Mavericks win the 2011 NBA title, and then watched as the Mavericks decided to go in another direction when he became a free agent after that season. Eventually, the Mavericks shipped Chandler to the New York Knicks in a three-team, sign-and-trade as the veteran signed a four-year, $58 million contract.
However, after witnessing the team’s play in the middle decline, the Mavericks re-acquired Chandler in a trade with the Knicks on June 25, 2014.
Chandler responded this past season with 31 double-doubles and averages of 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds. But he wasn’t the apple of the Mavs’ eyes when it came to free-agent centers.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, would seem be in desperate need of a commitment from Jordan or Aldridge to salvage free agency. Otherwise, they may have to fill their roster with second-, third- and fourth-tier players.
And in a Western Conference that’s going to be even tougher next season than this season, a playoff berth is going to be difficult to come by.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, coach Rick Carlisle, president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson and forwards Chandler Parsons and Dirk Nowitzki met with Jordan. Carlisle even drew X’s and O’s, diagramming how he would use Jordan, who reportedly has grown tired of being the third wheel behind Clippers All-Star teammates Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
Reportedly, Jordan also has a sour relationship with Paul that might be beyond repair.
Jordan has thoughts of becoming an All-Star himself, and doesn’t believe he can achieve that as long as he’s on the same team with Paul and Griffin.
Jordan’s star turn wouldn’t be a problem in Dallas, since Devin Harris (2009) and Nowitzki (13 times) are the only players under contract with the Mavericks who have played in an All-Star Game.
Jordan can either sign a maximum five-year, $108 million contract with the Clippers or a four-year, $80 million contract with the Mavericks or any other team under the salary cap. He said he plans to make his decision by Friday.
The Mavericks are hoping Aldridge wants to finish his career playing at home. He grew up in the Dallas suburb of Seagoville.
Losing Chandler, however, means one less bargaining chip for the Mavericks, as a player who could complement Aldridge well inside.
The San Antonio Spurs are considered the front-runners to sign Aldridge, who also is reported to be considering the Suns.
In addition, the Mavericks met with Blazers free-agent shooting guard Wesley Matthews in Los Angeles. But Matthews is coming off Achilles surgery, so that’s arguably a gamble.
And Parsons is coming off knee surgery. So putting two players in the starting lineup coming off major surgeries isn’t an ideal situation.
Former Mavericks center/forward Brandan Wright was considering a return to Dallas, but he agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with Memphis on Wednesday.
Mavericks free-agent guard J.J. Barea was linked toward leaning to the Miami Heat in a tweet by Turner Sports’ David Aldridge.
It wasn’t a good day for the Mavericks, but at least they know the summer can be saved if they’re able to secure a contract with Jordan or Aldridge.
Dwain Price, 817-390-7760
This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 3:23 PM with the headline "Mavericks need Jordan or Aldridge after two major departures."