The Dallas Mavericks, like every team with cap space this offseason, had high hopes when free agency began this offseason. The team originally had Kemba Walker at the top of the franchise’s wish list, but when it became apparent that Walker would be heading to Beantown, the Mavs apparently had their next target all lined up.
In an interview with Dallas Morning News, Mavs owner Mark Cuban outlines why the team focused their attention on point guard Delon Wright after it was made clear that Walker would not sign with Dallas.
“After Kemba, when Kemba wasn't really going to be available at the start of free agency, our first call literally was Delon Wright, because we wanted somebody that could defend next to Luka and most of our guys, particularly our ones, twos were walk-it-up guys,” Cuban said in the Dallas Morning News story.
“Delon's a downhill guy who can defend multiple positions. We'll work with him some on his shot, but he's a great finisher, he can get to the rim, he'll make the play, he helps make his teammates better, and that's what we were looking for. Because trying to get Luka to guard point guards is not going to work. With Jalen Brunson, he did a great job as a rookie and he'll get better, but his strength still, he's still learning to stay in front of guys. Delon is there. Delon's a passer, a creator, but now 6-foot-5 will be our smallest guy in the starting lineup. That changes who we are.”
The Mavs acquired Wright from the Memphis Grizzlies in a sign-and-trade deal that saw the 27-year-old receive a three-year, $29 million contract.
Wright is, perhaps, the biggest acquisition of the Mavs in what could be said as an underwhelming free agency for the team. While the 2011 champions also signed Seth Curry and locked Kristaps Porzingis long-term, Dallas largely kept their roster intact.
Delon Wright figures to be the team's starting point guard next season in a lineup that boasts the star duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
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