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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Julius Randle

By Jeremy Lambert

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the bench in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the bench in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 28: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks steals the ball from Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers and takes it down court in the first half of the game at Staples Center on March 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 28: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks steals the ball from Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers and takes it down court in the first half of the game at Staples Center on March 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

4. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks appear to the biggest suitor for Randle, which makes sense. Dallas, like the Lakers, always has aspirations of landing the big name. They were a kidnapping and a couple of emojis away from luring DeAndre Jordan from Los Angeles. They’ll spend a lot of time and resources on recruiting DeMarcus Cousins come July 1. He’ll likely shun them the way Dwight Howard and Jordan did before him. That will leave the Mavericks looking elsewhere for that elusive big man.

Which is why it would make sense for the Mavericks to make an immediate offer to Randle. Forget aiming higher. That’s never worked for Dallas. Aim realistic.

Not only would an immediate offer show quick commitment to Randle, but it puts pressure on the Lakers. Force them to re-sign Randle and take them out of superstar running or get the big man they have spent years courting. The Mavericks have had a lot of swings and misses over the years. Their biggest acquisition remains Harrison Barnes, who they got because the Warriors needed to get rid of contracts to sign Kevin Durant.

The situation here is similar, except there is no guarantee that LeBron and George will ruin the league by signing in Los Angeles.

As far as fit goes, who cares? The Mavericks haven’t been worried about fit for years. They’ve gone after the top names with little regard for chemistry and nothing has worked out. They’d just be happy to get Randle. Mark Cuban would talk about building the offense around him, how he’s a superstar player, and how they have a Big 4 with Randle, Barnes, Dennis Smith Jr. and Dirk Nowitzki. That’s what truly matters.

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