http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4705428/whats-wesley-matthews-worth-to-the-mavs Wesley Matthews would perfectly fit the mold the Dallas Mavericks have in mind for a shooting guard as they move on from Monta Ellis. If he’s healthy. And that’s a pretty big if, considering his left Achilles tendon popped less than four months ago while playing against the Mavs. Matthews has been the epitome of a 3-and-D threat, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound smart, savvy stopper who ranks among the NBA’s most prolific perimeter shooters. He’s a floor spacer who has some ability to create offensively and a guy who can give any wing a hard time on the other end of the floor. He’s also a terrific teammate. He’s pretty much the anti-Monta. A healthy Matthews would without question be the Mavs’ top target at shooting guard this summer. A rehabbing Matthews still might be. His injury, which torpedoed the Portland Trail Blazers’ chances of contending, muddies the waters as Matthews enters free agency. But two things are clear: 1) The Mavs are still very much interested, with ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reporting that the Toronto Raptors also plan to pursue him; 2) Matthews has no intention of being anyone’s injury discount. Matthews’ reported requests for a multiyear contract with average salaries in the $15 million range are real, sources said. Matthews’ asking price is higher than that of Danny Green, another high-character shooter/stopper who doesn’t have as versatile of an offensive game but does have a clean bill of health. Matthews’ camp has made it clear that he expects to be ready by the start of the regular season, meaning he also expects to be paid full market value. AnInstagram video of Matthews rehabbing seems to support his camp’s contention that he’s made remarkable progress with four months to go before the season opener. If the 28-year-old Matthews regains his previous form, a premier defender who scores 16 points per game playing primarily off the ball, he’d be worth every penny of $15 million per year. But paying that much for a player coming off such a serious injury would be a tough pill to swallow, especially if Green is available for $10-12 million per year, as projected. The Mavs could make room under the salary cap to pay Matthews even if big man DeAndre Jordan, who hung out with Matthews and Mavs small forwardChandler Parsons in Los Angeles last week, accepts their offer of a max contract. It’d require parting ways with Raymond Felton, either via a salary-dump trade or by waiving him with the stretch provision, but it wouldn’t be difficult. It’d just significantly reduce the means the Mavs have of filling out their bench. It could basically be the difference in the Mavs’ attempts to keep promising young forward Al-Farouq Aminu in Dallas. (There wouldn’t be room for Matthews if the Mavs sign LaMarcus Aldridgebecause of the need to pair him with a center, but bringing Aldridge home is considered a long shot. Price matters to the Mavs. How much are they willing to pay for Matthews? What will the market bear for him? Those aren’t the first questions the Mavs have to answer in free agency, but they’re pretty high on the list.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on...-wesley-matthews-only-3-million-apart-on-deal Report: Mavericks, Wesley Matthews only $3 million apart on deal Matthews has long been after a $15-million-per-year deal, which sounds like a lot until you consider the ramifications of the expanding cap in 2016, thanks to the NBA's new TV media deal. With Al-Farouq Aminu getting $7.5 million annually, and Anthony Davis getting a whopping $29 million annually, there's every reason to think that Matthews slides in comfortably at an above-average salary of $15 million per year. Matthews turns 29 next October and is coming off a torn Achilles -- an injury which gives many pause due to the long-term ramifications. However, with no indications that he will be unable to return to full form and with his already having returned to light shooting drills, Matthews remains one of the most valuable 3-and-D candidates in free agency. The Mavericks are badly in need of scoring punch with the expected departure of Monta Ellis, and need a replacement that can defend at a high level. Matthews is both. Mark Cuban and GM Donnie Nelson know this as well, and if they're that close to a deal with Matthews, it's hard to imagine a deal falling apart over that gap ... unless another team gets involved.
It's weird there doesnt seem to be any interest from the blazers on bringing him back. Maybe Paul doesnt want to commit that kind of money to a guy with an injury. Maybe Olshey thinks this core peaked. Interesting either way.
Everybody loves Wes but it's a risky move to give him a long contract. Makes sense to let him go elsewhere and get paid.
Ellis is signing with the pacers so he is gone from the Mavericks...and Wesley has been talking to them so who knows.
