The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals of 2024. Dallas did not need to make any significant roster adjustments because they still had a successful season overall. Nevertheless, the Mavericks need to think about re-signing two players who are about to become free agents.
One of these individuals assumed the position of an experienced leader. The other, who is among the top defensive players in the game, had an influence on the Mavs on both ends of the court. Here are the two players the Mavs must re-sign in 2024 NBA free agency without further ado.
In the 2023–24 season, Markieff Morris, 34, played an average of just 8.3 minutes per game. That figure doesn’t accurately represent his worth to the group.
Morris’s guidance was essential to the Mavs’ success. Overall, Dallas is a young club, although Morris has been an NBA player since 2011. He has worked with several organizations and witnessed the game’s development throughout time. Morris is aware of what it takes to succeed in the pinnacle of basketball.
Would the Mavericks’ automatic elimination from postseason contention come with Morris’ loss? Of course the answer is no, but having a seasoned player like Morris on a young squad with great potential does not hurt.
It was believed that Kyrie Irving was a leader. Even so, Kyrie is only thirty-two years old. He’s also concentrated on guiding the Mavericks on the court. Morris can take a different lead because he doesn’t play as much.
Derrick Jones Jr. is the most obvious choice when it comes to the Mavericks’ need to resign someone. Throughout the season, Jones contributed well on offense while maintaining a high standard of play on defense.
Before the 2023–24 season, the 27-year-old signed a contract with the Mavericks. Although many people disregarded the move, Dallas saw Jones’ potential.
Jones reportedly wants to rejoin the Mavericks, according to rumors. He’s expressed his enjoyment of playing in Dallas. This past season, Jones narrowly missed making an All-Defensive team. Despite this, he was a good defensive player who was able to contain the top players on the other team.
Jones advanced offensively as well. His career-high average of 8.6 points per game was achieved. Jones made 34.3 percent of his shots from outside the arc and 48.3 percent of his field goals.
He also earned a starter position with the Mavs. Jones played in 76 games during the 2023–24 season, starting 66 of them. It will only strengthen his position in free agency to start for a club that made it to the NBA Finals.
Jones will undoubtedly be coveted by several clubs, so the Mavericks must make every effort to re-sign him.
The Mavericks’ postseason plans
Once more, the Mavs do not require any significant modifications. They have Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, two superstars. Dallas boasts PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford as part of a strong core of players that surround them. Next season, players like Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Jaden Hardy might advance as well.
Dallas has a bright future. The Mavericks will undoubtedly contend for a postseason berth once again, and in 2025, they might even make another trip to the NBA Finals. Re-signing Markieff Morris and Derrick Jones Jr. will significantly improve their prospects.
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