The Dallas Mavericks are a team to keep a close eye on this offseason. Mark Cuban and company have already brought in a new general manager in Nico Harrison and a new head coach in Jason Kidd. Now, some roster changes could be on the horizon with Kristaps Porzingis being a potential trade candidate and Kawhi Leonard being a potential addition in free agency.
According to a report from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Mavericks are a “serious threat” to sign Leonard away from the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
“Dallas is considered by some executives to be the most serious threat to land Kawhi because of Luka Doncic’s presence and the front office’s ability to create maximum cap space or work out a sign-and-trade. During Leonard’s years with Nike, he also developed a good relationship with Nico Harrison, the Mavs’ new general manager and a former longtime executive at the company.”
Leonard may not end up leaving the Clippers this offseason, but the rumors are swirling. After missing the key part of L.A.’s playoff run this year due to injury, no one knows what to expect from Leonard this offseason.
Joining the Mavericks is absolutely something that should intrigue Leonard. Luka Doncic is one of the NBA’s elite stars and they have a solid supporting cast around him as well. A duo of Leonard and Doncic could be enough to power Dallas back into the NBA Finals.
During the 2020-21 NBA season with the Clippers, Leonard ended up averaging 24.8 points per game to go along with 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals. He shot 51.2 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 39.8 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers would look awfully good for the Mavericks.
In addition to the Mavericks, the Miami Heat were also mentioned as a potential free agency landing spot. Miami would be able to form a “Big Three” of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kawhi Leonard.
All of that being said, this will be an interesting situation to keep an eye on as the offseason comes closer. Leonard might not end up landing with the Mavericks, but it would make a ton of sense. Dallas will look to make a splash and would absolutely be at the front of the line if Leonard does become available.
