The Dallas Mavericks always seem to be involved with big-name free agents. However, they always strike out. There was even some talk that they were trying to lure Kawhi Leonard this past summer, but obviously, that did not work out. But that could change in 2021 when Giannis Antetokounmpo hits the open market.
Assuming the Milwaukee Bucks do not lock up Antetokounmpo on a long-term deal before his contract expires, the reigning MVP will be one of the most coveted free agents in recent memory next offseason (whenever that may be).
If and when Giannis does hit free agency, we will surely hear of the usual suspects in terms of potential destinations. However, we should not rule out the biggest dark horse in all of this: the Mavericks.
Dallas has swiftly expedited its rebuild by swinging a draft night trade for Luka Doncic in 2018 and by robbing the New York Knicks in the Kristaps Porzingis deal in January 2019.
Suddenly, the Mavs have one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA, and with significant cap space on the horizon for Mark Cuban's club in 2021, you have to think that the Mavericks will be a significant player for Antetokounmpo.
Just imagine a triumvirate of Doncic, Porzingis and Giannis. That would be one of the most talented trios this league has ever seen, and Dallas would instantly become a title contender.
Of course, we are operating under the assumption that Porzingis will remain healthy, but if he does and the Mavs are able to land Antetokounmpo? My goodness. That would be scary.
Think of it from Giannis' point of view. The Bucks have never been a franchise that has been able to convince big-name free agents to sign. Milwaukee is not exactly a marquee market, and up until last spring, the Bucks had not won a playoff series since 2001. Milwaukee couldn't even afford to keep Malcolm Brogdon last summer, so the idea of the Bucks bringing in other top-tier talents to team up with Antetokounmpo seems rather hard to fathom.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it just seems unlikely. Yes, Milwaukee can always make a trade, but when you are a 60-win team, you generally don't have a whole lot of attractive trade assets.
Just ask LeBron James during his first go-around in Cleveland. Obviously, the Cavaliers were able to land Kevin Love when he arrived for his second stint, but that was because the Cavs nabbed Andrew Wiggins with the No. 1 pick that summer. James signed there as a free agent. Had he already been on the roster, things would have been different.
Now, I should say that this dream scenario for the Mavericks could go by the wayside if the Bucks manage to win a championship within then next two seasons. Milwaukee is considered one of the top three favorites to win a title this year, and the Bucks will surely be one of the primary contenders once again next season.
But if Milwaukee falters? Giannis Antetokounmpo may begin to get frustrated, which could open the door for him to explore other options in free agency. Like Dallas.
Doncic and Porzingis already have the Mavs climbing up the ranks in the Western Conference. Some even have them pegged as a dangerous playoff team this year. Now picture the Mavericks with Giannis in tow. Sounds terrifying, right?
It's not just the roster, either. There is a lot to like about Dallas.
Cuban is a fantastic owner who takes care of his players. The fans are great. The market may not be New York or Los Angeles, but it is still rather large and garners more attention than Milwaukee.
As far as other teams that will be vying for The Greek Freak's services? I'm not sure any of them can offer what the Mavericks can. At least not in terms of a championship window.
Again, this largely depends on Porzingis staying healthy, because when he is healthy, we have seen just how dominant he can be. Heck, he has top-five player in the NBA potential. His ceiling is even higher than Doncic's given the fact that Porzingis plays both ends of the floor at a high level.
Bringing Antetokounmpo into the fold would also take pressure off of Porzingis offensively and allow him to focus more on being a monster defender. This would maximize Porzingis' efficiency on the offensive side, as well. Kristaps Porzingis as your third option? Sheesh.
At the moment, this is obviously more conjecture than anything else on my part, but it's not some unrealistic fantasy. The Mavericks should be a very real threat to snatch Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021, and if they do? God help the other 29 teams in the NBA.
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