Eddie Sefko, Mavericks beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered your questions about the team in a live chat recently. Here are some highlights:
Are there any circumstances in which the Mavs might trade their first round pick?
Sefko: Sure. But it would have to be something that would qualify as a no-brainer. Maybe if one of the teams picking around six or seven wanted the Mavericks' spot (let's say the third pick).
Maybe Sacramento throws in Willie Cauley-Stein or somebody like that and the Mavericks get a rising big man and another good player in the middle of the lottery. That's not a premonition, just a for-instance. But I still think the Mavericks have eyes on either Bagley or Doncic if they end up picking third. And it would take a lot to turn their attention away from that.
We've talked a lot about Julius Randle, but why not chase after Aaron Gordon? Which would be a better fit for the Mavericks?
Sefko: I don't think you could go wrong with either of them. Personally, I'd rather have Randle because I think he's going to end up being a beast on the boards and that's where the Mavericks need the most help right now.
But Gordon brings the sort of athletic skill set that the Mavericks don't have on the front line. So it wouldn't offend me if that's where they end up pouring a ton of money this summer. The problem isn't what happens after they get here. The problem is getting one of them here. It's never easy for the Mavericks in free agency.
Is losing our pick still a possibility, or is it out of danger the closer we get to the draft? This topic has been quiet lately.
Sefko: I haven't heard any whispers about that since it was floated a couple months back. And there's a chance the draft would happen before the results of the investigation are reviewed by the NBA. I think any penalties against the team are going to go toward Mark Cuban.
Could I see the league get creative if there is something to the investigation that merits harsh action? Yes. But I would doubt it would involve the draft. Maybe a reduction in roster spots or something like that. But my gut tells me it won't involve the first-round draft pick.
Now that Wesley Matthews has officially opted in for next season, will the Mavs look to trade him? Or will they keep him around for next season?
Sefko: Anybody can be had from the Mavericks, with the possible exceptions of Barnes, Smith and Dirk. And with an expiring contract, Matthews could have some appeal to a lot of contending teams. I don't see anything happening during the summer.
But if the Mavericks find out early that their season is headed south again and they sense they can fetch a draft pick or rising young talent for Matthews, I wouldn't put it past them to keep their eyes and ears open to the possibility.
If the Mavs take someone like Doncic or Bagley, they'll still need a center. Could you see Tyson Chandler returning again?
Sefko: I suppose anything is possible. But if I'm Tyson, I'd rather latch on with somebody who has a decent chance of winning big. He could be a great piece for a team like Philadelphia or even Golden State if they don't win it all this season.
Could JJ Barea be moved this offseason if Yogi Ferrell is the team's primary backup point guard and Seth Curry returns?
Sefko: I don't see J.J. Barea going anywhere. I believe he will finish his career with the Mavericks, unless some contending team can't live without him at the trade deadline next season.