When we talk about teams favored to win the biggest 2014 NBA free agency prize of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, the Chicago Bulls, L.A Clippers, and Houston Rockets are usually the names that come to mind.
However, after reacquiring Tyson Chandler from a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks while still managing salary cap flexibility to sign a super star this summer, the Dallas Mavericks have risen as one of the top candidates to win the LeBron, Melo sweepstakes.
Dallas has failed to land a big fish the last couple of free agency summers but right now it looks like they have a better chance at finally bringing in another super star to pair with Dirk Nowitzki in the twilight of his career. And while it is not certain yet if the Mavs will land LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, the two biggest names in this summer's free agency, the odds have just gotten a lot better for them after their recent move.
"It makes us real players for LeBron [or] Carmelo," a team source told ESPNDallas.com after a successful trade that brought defensive big man Tyson Chandler back to Dallas.
LeBron, however, has yet to make it public that he will entertain Dallas as a possible destination this offseason but Carmelo Anthony has. According to reports from league sources, the Knicks star has decided to visit the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls on July 1 - the starting date for teams to meet free agents in accordance to league regulations.
And while it is widely rumored that Chicago is the frontrunner in Anthony's possible destinations, a source revealed that there is no real favorite in his mind.
The Mavs will try to lure in one of the super star forwards to team up with 2011 finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki and former Defensive Player of The Year Tyson Chandler in a frontcourt that not only would be a formidable one but could also be the best in the NBA, at least on paper. Dallas also has a quick and creative dribble-penetrator in Monta Ellis, one of the best coaches in Rick Carlisle, and a passionate owner who want's nothing more than winning in Mark Cuban. If you add all these elements together, its not hard to argue that the Mavs have just become an attractive destination for both LeBron and Carmelo.
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