NBA Rumors: Mavs Expected To Go After Veteran Shooter This Summer

The Dallas Mavericks have formidable European duo in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis heading into next season. But of course, most know that these two may not be enough. Adding some veterans to take the lead is expected from the Mavs and two players on the radar are reportedly Kemba Walker and Khris Middleton.

It will all depend on how well Mark Cuban and company handle their salary budget standing. According to Basketball Insiders, they do have $45.9 million in salary which poses as a limitation. Further, they have to re-sign Porzingis as well-meaning money tendered could be a problem. Hence, the best case scenario is to sign either Walker or Middleton.

Of the two, Middleton looms as the logical choice. The Mavs need a three-point shooter and most know what the 27-year-old can do. He owns a career-high 38.8-percent clip from beyond the arc and the 27-year-old could have a heyday being fed off the wings by Doncic.

Walker can pretty much do the same, although he is expected to be an expensive recruit. Compared to Middleton, the 28-year-old has proven that he is an all-around guy and that alone accounts for him being a hefty addition unless Cuban can pull off some strings, according to the Bleacher Report.

In a sense, the Mavs could get a big boost with either player. But the backcourt is just one of their many worries. They also need to add some offensive-minded big men in the mix - a reason why Nikola Vucevic was also mentioned as a potential target. But this depends on how the Magic approach the Montenegrin cager who is coming off a breakout year. Much of that was discussed in a previous post.

Like most teams, the Mavericks are expected to aggressively pitch to top free agents. But if this report from the Smoking Cuban is to be believed, one player that Dallas may steer clear of is DeMarcus Cousins. This is despite the fact that the Mavs have been one of the teams trying to close something with the temperamental big man.

One obvious reason here is the durability of Boogie. He failed to finish the current NBA season and will likely take more time off the court once again. With the Mavs wanting to win now, they are likely to target active and young players than someone who has fallen prey to the injury bug.