The Dallas Mavericks, despite their track record in recent years, appear determined to position themselves as major players in this summer’s free agent frenzy. They’ve made it clear they covet Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, but their biggest target is the second-most sought-after free agent in this offseason’s crop, Heat defensive stalwart Hassan Whiteside.
Many believed Miami to be the favorites to re-sign the 27-year-old center, but he offered a somewhat ambiguous response when reporters asked him about it recently. Whiteside has indicated that he’d like to resolve things immediately on July 1, calling it “an easy decision,” but he could very well be referring to a recent rumor involving the Mavs.
Whereas the Heat have expressed some reluctance in the past to offer Whiteside the max, Tim MacMahon of ESPN said on The Ethan Skolnick Show that Dallas, meanwhile, won’t hesitate to do so. Here’s the transcript of those comments, courtesy of Atreya Verma of Heat Nation:
“Absolutely, no questions asked. The financial negotiations with the Mavericks will take all of one second. Max. One second max for the max,” MacMahon stated emphatically.
That could clearly give the Mavs the upper hand over Miami if they still harbor any reticence, but Dallas will still have to compete against any number of teams vying for his services, including the Lakers and Trail Blazers.
