Why Are The Dallas Mavericks Not Considered A Desired Free Agent Destination?

Late last night the Dallas Mavericks made a trade with the Sacramento Kings. Harrison Barnes will head to Sacramento in exchange for Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph. What this trade did for the Mavericks is clear what is close to a Max free agent slot this upcoming summer. With Barnes’ salary off the books, the Mavericks now have the potential to add an elite free agent this summer. Here’s what I’m having trouble understanding. Why are the Mavericks never considered as a premier free agent destination?

The Dallas Mavericks should have the ultimate advantage in free agency. Texas has no state income tax. Compare that to California that has a 12.3 percent state income tax and you’re talking about saving millions in taxes. For that reason alone, you would have to be crazy to play for a California team. No state income tax should work in the Mavericks favor. For some reason, it hasn’t.

Every media member in the world seems to be meat riding the Knicks. I have no idea why. They haven’t won a championship since 1973. The Mavericks won a title in 2011 and have capable ownership that won’t meddle in nonsense. Can you same the same about James Dolan? Who wouldn’t want to play for Mark Cuban? Shouldn’t ownership matter to players?

Then you talk about the players the team already has in place. Is their a better young duo out there than Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis? Shouldn’t a star want to play with those two guys? By the way, the Mavs could technically still win the lottery adding another star to the mix. All of these other teams are offering blank slates that is somehow supposed to be attractive? Luka Doncic is the clear cut rookie of the year. Kristaps Porzingis is a guy that isn’t supposed to exist. A 7-foot-4 freak show that can do everything.

Winners / Losers Of The 2018 NBA Draft

Tell me again why the Mavericks don’t stack up to the rest of the league? If you’re Kemba Walker or Kawhi Leonard why aren’t the Mavs high on your list? These are questions I need answers to.