The Dallas Mavericks made big roster moves during the offseason, but team executives are still expected to become very active on the free agency market.
Reports indicated that the Mavericks are planning to make a strong push to acquire big-name free agents in the summer of 2015 with sources saying that Portland Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge will be their main target.
Aldridge, who is averaging 22.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season, will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Several teams are expected to make a strong push to acquire the 29-year-old, including the Mavericks, who managed to lure a marquee free agent this summer - Chandler Parsons.
NBA analysts doubt, though, if the former Texas standout will fit into the Mavericks' system that is centered on Dirk Nowitzki, who plays the same position as Aldridge. But when asked about the possibility of playing alongside Aldridge, Nowitzki expressed confidence that they can co-exist.
"I think I've showed in my career that I can play with anybody in this league," Nowitzki said. "In some situations, he's playing the five [center] when they go small."
Nowitzki added that acquiring Aldridge would make them a strong title contender, saying that the nine-year veteran is very difficult to stop because of his ability to score inside and out.
"LaMarcus is up there with the best," Nowitzki said. "He's shooting it all the way out to 3 now, and he's a beast on the block. He's a really tough matchup for the whole league."
Aside from Aldridge, the Mavericks are reportedly interested in acquiring Ray Allen in order to improve their title chances this season.
Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban said in a recent interview with the Dallas Morning News that have not contacted Allen about his interest, but they won't hesitate to do so if the sharp-shooting guard decides to return this season.
"We haven't talked to him, but I think he's doing it the right way," Cuban said. "He's waiting to see who's doing well. If it comes down to it, we'd always consider it. We're always open to improving the team."
Aside from the Mavericks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers are also expected to make a run at signing Allen.
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