Tell me if you've heard this story before: the Dallas Mavericks entered this offseason hoping to land a big-name free agent, but they are probably going to have to settle for something less.

On Friday night, ESPN's Zach Lowe reported that the Mavericks are now focusing on “mid-tier free agents” rather than “big fish,” which means that their pursuit of guys like Kawhi Leonard and Kemba Walker never really got off the ground.

Then, on Saturday morning, Mavericks insider Mike Fisher said that Dallas' decision to turn away from big-name free agents was forced rather than voluntary, stating that this means the “big fish” turned the Mavs down.

This doesn't come as much of a surprise, because for as much success as the Mavericks have had over the last decade-and-a-half, big-name free agents simply don't sign in Dallas.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
image thumbnail
Mavericks trade proposal lands Jrue Holiday from CelticsJedd Pagaduan ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd yells to his team during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center.
Mavericks rumors: What really irked Jason Kidd after Luka Doncic tradeGuillermo Guajardo ·
Cooper Flagg (51) participates in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.
Mavericks news: Kyrie Irving’s ‘connected’ Cooper Flagg revelation before NBA DraftMalik Brown ·
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center
NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst claims ‘mutual interest’ between Jason Kidd, KnicksJosue Pavon ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks during the first half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: More evidence that Mavericks will deny Knicks’ Jason Kidd requestPreston Byers ·
former general manager Don Nelson speaks to the media before game two between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Don Nelson reveals ‘favorite player’ in 1998 NBA Draft and it’s not DirkDavid Yapkowitz ·

It's a bit peculiar, seeing as how the Mavericks were so good for so long and have the potential to be really good again next season if Kristaps Porzingis can get healthy, but, as per usual, it seems that Dallas is getting left out in the cold as far as star players are concerned.

The Mavs are coming off of a 2018-19 campaign in which they won just 33 games and missed the playoffs for the third straight year, marking the Mavericks' longest stretch without a playoff appearance since 2000.

However, with Porzingis and Luka Doncic and enough cap space to at least bring in a couple of decent players, Dallas could be a tough team in what is currently a weaker Western Conference heading into next season.