NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in Pau Gasol, Luol Deng?
By Bryan Rose
The Dallas Mavericks, thanks to Dirk Nowitzki’s willingness to take a pay cut, will have a significant amount of cap space this offseason which will allow them to either sign key free agents or allow them to absorb cash in a potential trade.
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While we haven’t heard much regarding any potential deals, there has been rumors about the Mavericks willingness to spend come free agency, this after they’ve routinely struck out in the past. However, with their sights a little lower this go around, it’s possible the Mavericks may look into adding some veteran talent according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN who believes Pau Gasol and Luol Deng will be playing for the Dallas Mavericks next season.
“My educated guess at the Dallas Mavericks starting lineup next season: Jose Calderon, Monta Ellis, Luol Deng, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol.”
MacMahon goes on to suggest it’s more speculation than anything, though few have more inside info on the Mavericks than he so it shouldn’t be completely dismissed.
It would certainly be an improvement on the offensive side of the ball and Deng does bring with him some rather solid defense, though that lineup as a whole seems a little defensively challenged which would be an understandable concern.
Of course, the Mavericks could opt to play Samuel Dalembert in the starting lineup and bring Pau off the bench to give a little more of an interior presence while providing an offensive threat off the pine, though it remains to be seen if Gasol would be accepting of such.