When it was clear that the Mavericks were once again on the outside looking in when it came to star free agency this summer, instead of pivoting to a gaggle of solid mid-tier free agents, Dallas decided to bargain hunt.
It’s something Dallas usually does — remember Plan Powder? When the Mavericks struck out on Deron Williams, Dwight Howard and others the fall back was always to scramble for deals that fit and allow the Mavericks to retain their precious cap flexibility. Dallas acquired Lamar Odom knowing his contract expired in time for a Deron Williams pursuit.