Next summer, the Mavs will have at least 8 players count towards their salary cap: Dirk, Monta, Calderon, Wright, Dalembert, Ellington, Larkin, and Mekel. Assuming Dirk re-signs for about $11 million, the Mavs should have between $17M to $20M to spend in free agency. At most, the Mavs will be able to make only
one big signing in free agency.
So what's the outlook for free agency next summer?
Not Available:- LeBron, Wade, and Bosh - These guys are not opting out 2 years early. And even if they did, they're not going to Dallas of all places (see: Summer of 2010).
- Kobe - Unlikely he'll leave L.A. And even if he did, it would be for a contender.
- Paul George - He's a restricted free agent, and Indiana will match any offer up to the max. He's not going anywhere.
Extremely Unrealistic- Carmelo Anthony - Leaving New York City (his hometown) and moving to Dallas, Texas? I can't imagine it.
- Luol Deng - The Bulls are already working on a contract extension this summer.
Unrealistic Candidates - These are all restricted free agents. Mavs will have to seriously overpay these guys just to scare the original teams from matching (See: Tyreke Evans).
- DeMarcus Cousins
- Greg Monroe
- Larry Sanders
- John Wall
Realistic Candidates:- Danny Granger
- Rudy Gay
- Andrew Bogut
- Emeka Okafor
- Marcin Gortat
Who will the Mavs end up with next summer? It would be nice if they can get 2 good players in free agency -- even if it's just Rudy Gay & Marcin Gortat. But realistically, the Mavs have enough cap room for only one major acquisition.