The Dallas Mavericks made the playoffs once again this season, but they were easily bounced in the first round by the Thunder. They're hoping to make some moves this offseason to help them become contenders once again, and they're exploring several potential moves to help them get there. Here's all the latest buzz surrounding the Mavs this offseason:
Dwight Howard will be Mavs top free agent target
Dallas has never been shy about pursuing the top free agents on the market, and they plan to make a run for Dwight Howard, reports the Star-Telegram's Dwain Price.
At the top of the Mavericks’ wish list this year is Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, who plans to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Howard, it would seem, has absolutely everything the Mavericks need from a center.
Miami’s Hassan Whiteside, Chicago’s Pau Gasol and Atlanta’s Al Horford are the other centers the Mavericks will probably pursue if they can’t land Howard, who is good friends with Mavs forward Chandler Parsons.
Howard is widely expected to leave the Rockets this summer after numerous reports detailing his unhappiness in Houston. The Bucks, Hornets, Hawks, Heat, Magic and Knicks have all also been linked to the All-Star big man.
Deron Williams wants to return to Dallas
Williams signed a two-year deal with the Mavs this past offseason, but that deal included a player option for the second year. Williams reportedly plans to decline that option - but that doesn't mean he's looking to go anywhere.
“I haven’t even thought about it (free agency),” Williams said. “I just was worried about finishing the season on a strong note. Once I got hurt, the focus was just trying to get back and be able to play, so I haven’t even thought about it. That’s something I will discuss with my agent and my wife, and we’ll figure it out.
“I would love to be back. Like I said, this was a great year for me, and I’m definitely happy here. My family is settled and happy here, so it’d definitely be great to be back. It was good. You know, it was a great situation, and I definitely would love to be back.”
Williams averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 assists per game this season.
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