Maverick’s Off Season Moves Smart, Strategic

This year’s NBA free agency made a big splash, mostly in South Beach. While other teams made high profile moves and Lebron James broadcasted his decision on prime television, the Mavericks acquisitions were expected and relatively quiet.

They managed to keep Dirk Nowitzki at a discounted rate and they re-signed center Brendan Haywood. In typical Maverick fashion, they also traded away Eric Dampier for center Tyson Chandler from the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Mavericks moves also received their fare share of criticism. Everyone expected them to keep Dirk, but many felt Brendan Haywood was overpaid. Their have also been questions about Tyson Chandler’s health status. Despite all this, the Maverick’s free agency was both smart and strategic.

Given the small amount of cap room the Mavericks had to work with, their free agency moves were good. Since Dirk took less money, the Mavericks now have an extra sixteen million to play with. In a league with a strict luxury tax policy, that amount of money can go a long way in acquiring a decent player. It might be true that they overpaid for Brendan Haywood, but how many relative young athletic centers were really available on the open market? Haywood’s post season presence was okay, but he also had to share time with Dampier. He’ll now have an opportunity to really prove his worth.

The Chandler trade was an excellent move all round. First, it allows Rick Carlisle the option of going with an all center line up in the post. This would be helpful against certain opponents who pose match up problems for the Mavericks. Second, the team was going to exercise their option to release Dampier. By trading him you at least got something in return. Finally, Chandler only has one more season left on his contract. If it doesn’t work out, they can part ways with no financial consequences.

Most importantly, the Mavericks off season moves were strategic for the franchise long-term. The Maverick’s payroll last season was $88,435,115, the third highest in the NBA behind Orlando and the L.A. Lakers. Their payroll has been one of the highest for years and it has hampered them from competing for top free agents. After next season, Tyson Chandler’s contract expires as well as the contracts for Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson and J.J. Barea. If the Mavericks stick with the roster they have and do not acquire any more contracts, their payroll will drop to $56,708,378 for the 2011-2012 season.

Based on the current payroll rankings, the Mavericks would drop down to the middle of the pack. This would allow them to finally pursue a high profile free agent. There are plenty of high quality players who would like to play in Dallas if they could. It’s just Dallas has never been in a financial position (luxury tax) to acquire them. Although there is the threat of a potential lock out after next season, it will eventually be resolved because both sides really can’t afford it. Regardless of its duration, the Mavericks will still be able to make deals. In addition, Jason Terry will have an expiring contract in 2011-2012. This could make for a good trade opportunity.

Overall, the Mavericks off season moves will keep them competitive next season and put them in a good position for the future. As long as they do not acquire an older player with a large contract or sign a middle of the road player to a long-term deal, the sky is the limit. Then again, this is the Dallas Mavericks we are talking about.