Bulls to Sign Patrick Beverley; Could Mavs Pursue Goran Dragic if Waived?
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly signing Patrick Beverley for the remainder of the season. They must create a roster spot to sign Beverley by waiving one of their 15 players under contract. Could this create an opportunity for Dallas Mavericks?
The Bulls have thrived by utilizing Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu as point-of-attack defenders in the backcourt. Chicago brought in another player of that style, adding Beverley into the mix. Lonzo Ball is still far from playing in NBA action, but where does that leave Goran Dragic?
NBC5 Chicago's K.C. Johnson recently reported that in order to sign one of their Russell Westbrook backup plans like John Wall or Beverley, they'd need to waive a player to create a roster spot. The most logical of options would be Dragic.
“If the Bulls don’t add Westbrook, John Wall, and Patrick Beverley are names to keep in mind," Johnson wrote. "The Bulls will need to waive a player to create a roster spot, and their current focus calls into question the future of Goran Dragic.”
Wall remains a free agent after Westbrook committed to join the LA Clippers, and Beverley joining the Bulls. Dragic would become a potentially intriguing option for contenders seeking more of a shooting threat if they aren't intrigued by Wall.
In 51 regular season appearances, Dragic is averaging 6.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 15.4 minutes per game. He's shooting 42.5 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from 3-point range. In a crowded backcourt rotation, he went from averaging 25.5 minutes per game with the Brooklyn Nets last season, to seeing a sharp reduction in his current situation.
The Mavs would need create a roster spot to sign Dragic after using their final roster spot to sign Justin Holiday from the buyout market. They would need to waive a player to make room for Dragic.
It's worth noting, when Mavs general manager Nico Harrison spoke to reporters following the midseason trade deadline, he expressed confidence in Josh Green being the team's third ball handler — downplaying the need to sign another guard on the buyout market. In addition to Green handling the ball more, rookie Jaden Hardy has earned playing time on a more consistent basis lately.
"We have a third ball handler," Mavs GM Nico Harrison said. "Josh Green has shown he can handle the ball and run the offense. ... We have ball handling covered at a high level."
Harrison expanded: "I think we have most of the things covered. Just some wing depth out there that makes sense. Maybe some defense."
There is always going to be the appeal that by signing Dragic, the Mavs would be adding a longtime mentor of Doncic. Both players have experience playing alongside each other for the Slovenian Men's National Team.
When the Mavs had the chance to sign Dragic in the summer, the team didn't value his potential impact the same as him. Jason Kidd reportedly didn't view Dragic as having "any juice left" and viewed him as a reserve option. It's worth noting, the Mavs did later try stints with Facundo Campazzo and Kemba Walker, but those were shortlived.
One element to consider, could the Mavs possibly view needing more veteran role players to at least have the luxury of turning to as more necessary now that the Irving trade accelerates their contention timeline? It remains to be seen, but regardless, Dragic will always be a name to watch due to his Doncic ties.
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