The Western Conference was full of activity in the free agent and trade market this summer, but most of the teams engaged in the sparring are likely to contend for an NBA title this season. On the other hand, there are teams like the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs had over $30 million in cap space when free agency opened, and they were a rumored destination for star point guard Kemba Walker and swingman Danny Green. Instead, their marquee addition was… Boban Marjanovic.

However, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News spoke to Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, who said the team is focused on going forward rather than looking back:

Despite entering free agency with $30 million in salary cap space, Dallas' roster additions generated little more than a ripple. The Los Angeles Clippers, meanwhile, led a player-movement-generated tidal wave that made the Western Conference more formidable than ever.

“Hey, it wasn't for a lack of trying,” Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. “And it takes two to tango. You can either cry over spilled milk or get back in the jump seat and make the best of a “B” situation.

“And that's what we did.”

The Mavericks were not totally mute during the offseason.

Dallas engaged the Miami Heat on a three-team deal in the hopes of acquiring veteran point guard Goran Dragic. But a mixup with the players that were to be included led to Mavs pulling out entirely.

Of course, the Mavericks are also waiting to see how a healthy Kristaps Porzingis will perform after they acquired him from the New York Knicks in February.

Time will tell whether or nor the Mavericks regret not getting more aggressive in free agency, but they are looking towards the future in terms of their competitive window.