The Mavs will ask Chris Andersen‘s representatives about his interest in playing in Dallas, but the Birdman prefers to remain with the Heat, according to Bleacher Report’s Ethan Skolnick (Twitter link). Andersen is reportedly set to opt out of his contract and hit free agency next month.
Andersen proved even more valuable to the Heat this year than he did in 2012/13, when he joined Miami at midseason and helped the club to a championship. He averaged 19.4 minutes per game, his most in four years, and his 5.9 rebounds per contest in the playoffs were second on the team behind LeBron James, as Andersen outdid starting center Chris Bosh in that category.
Andersen is a native of Iola, Texas, a town in between Dallas and Houston. Still, Dallas almost certainly sees the Mark Bryant client as a secondary priority, as the Mavs are again poised to go after marquee free agents. Andersen was on a minimum-salary contract with Miami, but his decision to opt out gives the Heat more cap flexibility, and it’s quite conceivable that Miami, which owns Andersen’s Early Bird rights, winds up bringing the Birdman back once the futures of Bosh, James and Dwyane Wade are resolved.
No, thanks. We already have a younger, more athletic version of him (Brandan Wright).
Loul Deng and Marcin Gortat, please please please
The Mavs should pursue Loul Deng to replace Marion, who is a free agent.
Mavs should call Chris Bosh.
Mavs were handicapped by keeping Chris Carter.
He is washed-up.
And Anderson would be a good replacement for the missing presence of
Tyson Chandler; the only reason we Won the Championship in
2011/12.
Defense is what’s needed. We already HAVE a good offense.
Even with some of the veterans on the brink of retirement.