Dallas Mavericks’ future seems really bright. They not only have two of the most exciting young stars in the league in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis but can also get one max free agent in the summer of 2019. And as it turns out, Mavs already know who they want to get to pair with Doncic and Porzingis.
According to New York Times‘ Marc Stein, Dallas plans to pursue Charlotte Hornets’ All-Star point guard Kemba Walker and Milwaukee Bucks’ All-Star small forward Khris Middleton.
“Shooters, athleticism and veterans are said to be Dallas’ priorities to supply the budding star tandem of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis with some been-there wisdom.” – says Stein in his weekly newsletter. “But league sources say that the Mavericks intend to fling themselves into the chase for Khris Middleton and/or Kemba Walker with gusto in hopes that they have a shot at one of them.”
Despite the cap space and great situation, Mavericks might face an uphill battle to get either Walker or Middleton.
Walker is a face of the franchise in Charlotte and Hornets can offer him more money than any other team. On the other hand, if he was to leave, the 28-year-old would have lots of other suitors that might be in a better situation to win right now than Dallas.
Middleton, on the other hand, is in a great situation with the Bucks as he is part of the team that is already a title contender. The only way that he might think of leaving is if Milwaukee isn’t willing to give him a max deal.
Stein previously reported that Mavericks are interested in Orlando Magic’s All-Star Nikola Vucevic, but now states that Walker and Middleton would be their preferred targets as they are a better fit with team’s young stars. Another player who is rumored to be on Dallas’ radar is Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris, who would also be a great fit with Doncic and Porzingis thanks to his shooting.
