NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Hope To Make Play For Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard In 2019 Free Agency

The Kevin Durant Sweepstakes seems to be coming down to the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks. The Kawhi Leonard Sweepstakes might really be a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers, though the Los Angeles Lakers and both New York teams are hoping the 2019 NBA Finals MVP will consider joining them.

With free agency set to start in just a few days, another team is reportedly looking to get into the bidding for the two superstars.

According to Chris Sheridan of The New York Daily News, the Dallas Mavericks are expecting to get a meeting with Leonard. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix said the Mavericks will likely at least attempt to try and pitch Durant.

Few teams have more salary cap space than Dallas this offseason. The Mavericks don’t have the ability to offer two free agents max contracts, but they could have just enough money to sign one max free agent with close to $32 million to spend for the 2019-2020 season.

Dallas’ first priority will be re-signing Kristaps Porzingis. The big man is a restricted free agent that will likely command a max contract with a starting salary of a little over $27 million per season.

It would be stunning if Dallas acquires either Durant or Leonard. They could possibly meet with Leonard, who is reportedly also considering taking meetings with the Knicks, Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, none of whom are thought to have much of a chance to land the three-time All-Star.

The Mavericks might be able to use their cap space on a second or third-tier free agent.

Dallas is reportedly interested in Kemba Walker, who can make much more money by staying with the Charlotte Hornets. There have been rumors of a potential union between the Mavericks and Al Horford ever since it was reported that the power forward planned to leave the Boston Celtics.

If Porzingis is healthy next season after missing all of last year with a torn ACL, the addition of an impactful free agent could make Dallas competitive in the Western Conference.

Porzingis averaged 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game before getting hurt in his 48th contest of the 2017-2018 season. 2019 Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic has an even higher ceiling after averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game as a 19 and 20-year-old.

Dallas went 33-49 this past season. Only the Phoenix Suns had a worse record in the West.