The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2018 offseason with a top 10 pick for the second consecutive year, they're entering a crucial offseason that, if they make the right moves, can propel them to the playoffs next year. For that to happen, here are the three moves they have to make:
1) Land a starter-level free agent
This will be an interesting offseason in terms of restricted free agents. Jabari Parker, Julius Randle, and Aaron Gordon have all proven to be quality forwards in their short careers and all will be restricted free agents this summer - and none of their teams have committed to keeping them. By exploiting this market, the Mavs would be able to land another young member of their core who is capable of being one of their top players immediately.
Dallas also has the cap space to go after max-contract guys, but expect them to focus their free agency dollars on the restricted market.
NEXT READ: 3 Free Agents The Mavs Are Most Likely To Acquire In Summer 2018
2) Draft another franchise player
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Dallas is currently projected to have the No. 3 pick in the draft, and while they'd prefer to move into the top spot, they'll have the opportunity to land a future star as long as they keep their current position. The Mavs will likely be left with either Duke's Marvin Bagley III, who is full of potential and will produce from day one or Real Madrid's Luka Doncic, who has posted several triple-doubles in EuroLeague (a feat that is much rarer).
This prospect will be a player the Mavs build around and add to their young core of Dennis Smith Jr. and the restricted free agent they sign. Drafting one of those two players and hitting on their draft pick is key.
3) Sign another veteran leader or two
Every successful rebuild needs a group of veterans that show the young players how to win while playing supportive roles. Dirk Nowitzki is already one of these players but Dallas can easily maneuver their the cap space in order to bring in another (along with one of the players listed above). Avery Bradley is the premier option that comes to mind, but if he's too expensive (and may very well be), the Mavs should also pursue players like Wayne Ellington or Luc Richard Mbah a Moute - experienced vets who are good leaders and play vital roles off the bench.
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