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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Dallas Mavericks

By Colton Lowe

Mar 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with guard Yogi Ferrell (11) and guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with guard Yogi Ferrell (11) and guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) steals a pass from Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) steals a pass from Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Resign Nerlens Noel

The Mavs continued a push for the future this past season by making a big trade for Nerlens Noel. Noel is a restricted free agent this offseason, and it should be near priority number one for the Mavericks to retain him.

Dallas has lacked a young  presence down low for years. After Tyson Chandler, they went old with Zaza Pachulia and Andrew Bogut. Pachulia actually did quite well with his time in Dallas, but neither option was a long term solution.

Noel is only 23- years old, and since his arrival to Dallas, he’s been playing some of his best basketball of his young career. Noel is the type of player Dallas can build around, and it’s not unrealistic to hope that he can grow into a superstar talent at the center position.

Being a restricted free agent gives Dallas first crack at him and it seems the plan is to sign Noel at all costs. Noel could sign a qualifying offer which would keep him in Dallas with a one year contract and then become an unrestricted free agent next summer. That’s not ideal. Most likely, Dallas signs him to a big contract and locks him down with a multi-year deal.

There’s big potential with Noel. He has some injury issues that could be concerning. No matter how talented you are, it’s useless if you can’t stay on the court. But, Dallas desperately needs a center they can build around and groom into the player they need down low. Noel can be that guy.

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