Dallas Mavericks now looking towards Ramon Sessions, Elton Brand to fill holes in roster – NBA News
The Dallas Mavericks have not had a good free agency this year. The Mavericks won the NBA title in the 2010-2011 season and let go Tyson Chandler and Kendrick Perkins after the season without hiring any replacement for them in a bid to have salary cap space
to aggressively hunt free agents this season. At the top of their list was point guard Deron Williams and the Mavericks offered him a four year $75 million contract.
They were quite optimistic that he would accept the offer and team up with Dirk Nowitzki to make them championship contenders next season. Williams himself had expressed his desire to play for his hometown of Dallas during the regular season. However, Williams
opted to stay with the Brooklyn Nets. And that was only the beginning for Dallas.
The Boston Celtics reached an agreement with Mavericks guard Jason Terry for a three year contract. Then, Jason Kidd decided to finish out his career with the New York Knicks rather than re-signing with the Mavericks. Dallas, who were planning on building
a championship team this offseason and had the salary cap space to do, are now left searching for players to give them a chance of making a run at the playoffs.
With the Mavericks now weak at the point guard position, ESPN has reported that the Mavericks are now negotiating with free agent point guard Ramon Sessions for a possible deal. Sessions opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers managed to sign Steve Nash in a sign and trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.
“A source close to the situation said the Mavs initially contacted Sessions’ representatives prior to Kidd opting to pass on a three-year, $9 million offer from Dallas and instead agreeing to a similar deal to join the New York Knicks. After Kidd reached
his decision to move on, the Mavs again reached out to Sessions, the 26-year-old point guard that was traded from Cleveland to the Lakers at the trade deadline last season. Sessions, the source said, is seeking a starting job and security,” reported ESPN.
Sessions had a good season with the Lakers, though he struggled in the first playoff appearance of his career. He can form a good combination with Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks are also reported to be eyeing veteran forward Elton Brand. Brand is expected
to be amnestied by the Philadelphia 76ers, who owe him $18 million for next season.
After the Sixers use the amnesty clause, the Mavericks are looking to sign him for a contract much lower than the $18 million he is due to earn from the Sixers. Brand, although way past his prime, is still a good addition to any team as a backup forward.
He can still manage double digit points and he is great rebounder as well.
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