In addition to their previously reported interest in Grant Williams, the Mavericks have their eye on another restricted free agent, Matisse Thybulle of the Trail Blazers, league sources tell veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein (Substack story).
It’s unclear if Dallas has a real shot at either player — according to Stein, the Celtics and Blazers have been sending “behind-the-scenes signals” that they plan to match any offer sheet on their respective RFAs, and the over-the-cap Mavericks will be limited to the mid-level exception.
Besides pursuing another wing, the Mavericks would still like to upgrade their center spot. They explored trades for Clint Capela and Deandre Ayton and would have been interested in Naz Reid if he had reached free agency, Stein writes. For now, Dwight Powell and Richaun Holmes appears poised to vie for the starting job as lottery pick Dereck Lively adjusts to the NBA.
Here’s more from Stein’s latest look around the league:
- There have been some “whispers” this week that Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen may be more available via trade than the team is letting on, says Stein. Allen was an All-Star in 2021/22 and had another solid season in ’22/23, but struggled to make an impact during Cleveland’s first-round playoff loss to New York.
- Stein, like some other reporters, has heard that the Sixers have essentially made Tyrese Maxey untouchable in trade discussions. A team source tells Stein that Philadelphia views Maxey as an integral part of the club’s future and is adamant that he won’t be available in any trade.
- According to Stein, Dwight Powell received “serious” interest from the Rockets before deciding to remain with the Mavericks. Houston pivoted to Jock Landale after Powell chose Dallas, Stein explains.
Mavs would’ve been smart to go for Bridges
Todd Bridges?
What you talking about, Willis?!?
Just add more fuel to the dumpster fire huh?
Bridges and Kyrie… Great way to destroy a teams culture and likeability…
I guess there’s still a shot but I don’t see why SAS wouldn’t be interested in Grant- I don’t think Bos can/will match something over 13~15
Thybull would be great for Dallas and they got a good chunk of resource left relative to others, who knows what Por is thinking tho on a match
Think they give the Allen/Mobley experiment 40 more games then re-access
Celtics wouldn’t match over 13-15 cuz Grant isn’t worth over 13-15.
To Bos your probably right, for SAS I don’t see why not, unless your a big fan of 2nd rd picks
I don’t dislike the fit, but the Spurs are already set with Wemby/Sochan/Collins/Bassey (and maybe a bit of Keldon) at the 4/5. Plus, now near the salary floor, they have no need to spend that much on anyone.
I imagine they’re going to focus on bringing in another center, assuming they waive/trade Birch, or perhaps another ball-handler. Yes, the team could use another shooter but I think the hope for this season will be internal improvement in that department from the guys already on the roster. If someone like Sochan or Tre can develop a passable three-point shot it will go a long way. And in the long run, I think simply upgrading from Tre would be the most obvious answer to addressing the need.
I’d rather have Bridges ….. he needs a new place. I’m surprised no one has made an offer.
Two peas in a pod, Al.
Until the Mavs solve their big man issue, there is no hope for this team. They have to figure out something, if not now then certainly by the trade deadline. Another season without a legitimate rim protector and rebounder would be embarrassing.
The Mavs have holes everywhere thanks to the Kyrie trade…
Now the contract is in they also have a black hole on their salary cap…
There’s not a lot of room for them to do anything that will effect the team positively…
Yup. Which is especially problematic since another disappointing season or two and Luka will almost certainly ask out. And who could blame him?
I know they want to hold onto young assets like Hardy and Green—I would too—but when you’ve hamstrung yourself this badly something has to give if you’re serious about competing in the present, which they seem to be whether smart or not.
All they can really hope for right now is internal improvement but even then, there are some holes that cannot possibly fill. Although, if the young players can continue to elevate their stock, they could also become more valuable as trade pieces.
they’re putting a lot on Lively being ready to contribute which is endearing but baffling for next season