Mavericks moving on from LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony

Mar. 3, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) wait for a rebound during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Miami won 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Mar. 3, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) wait for a rebound during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Miami won 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks came into the offseason looking to land that coveted “big fish” free agent once again. They had a meeting with New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony in Dallas on the second day of free agency and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reportedly flew to Cleveland to meet with LeBron James’ free agent.

The Mavericks had a lot to offer, but it looks like they’re resigned to the fact that they’re out of the running for either free agent and moving on to “Plan B.” That avenue starts with Chandler Parsons of the Houston Rockets, but also includes Luol Deng and Trever Ariza.

From Chris Broussard of ESPN:

"Dallas, believing it will likely lose out on both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, will attempt to sign Chandler Parsons away from the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks also have Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza in their sights, sources said."

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It is another crushing blow to a Mavericks team that seemingly can’t get a big fish free agent to bite, calling into question why so big name many free agents keep turning down the Mavericks. They’ve been one of the winningest teams over Cuban’s tenure, which includes an NBA Championship, two NBA Finals appearances and three trips to the Western Conference Finals.

The Mavericks are slated to have a lot of cap space next season to try again, and you can bet Mark Cuban will try again in 2015.

Of course there is no official report that the Mavericks are out of the running for either free agent.