The Dallas Mavericks seemingly made sure on Tuesday that three of their young players would be restricted free agents. But in a change of events, only two of those three will reportedly maintain that status.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter) reported yesterday that the Mavs had given guard Yogi Ferrell a qualifying offer. The Dallas Morning News‘ Eddie Sefko (via Twitter) also reported the Ferrell deal and that the Mavs had given qualifying offers to guard forward Doug McDermott and center Salah Mejri, too.
Those plans have changed, though, reports ESPN’s Zach Lowe (via Twitter), as the Mavs have pulled McDermott’s qualifying offer:
In a quick turnaround, the Mavericks have withdrawn their qualifying offer to Doug McDermott, league sources say. They still have interest in retaining him, but this makes it easier to clear his ~$10M cap hold. Also makes him an unrestricted free agent, broadening his market.
Sefko reports (via Twitter) that the Mavs opted to not give McDermott that qualifying offer to help them better pitch a free agent like DeAndre Jordan:
Details to come, but thrust of Mavericks’ moves over last 24 hours. Tendered Q-offer to Doug McDermott, but things happened then that required them to free up $$$$. They have withdrawn that offer and that will allow them to get in the $25-million area that DeAndre Jordan likes.
The reported qualifying offers for Mejri and Ferrell ensures that the Mavs can now match any offer they receive. Sefko also reported on Tuesday night that the move essentially protects the Mavericks’ young assets:
They have not, however, picked up the option on Dirk Nowitzki’s contract. This is believed to be a formality. He signed a two-year deal last summer for $5-million each season, with 2018-19 at the Mavericks’ option.
…
They are believed to be strongly hoping to bring back Ferrell and perhaps McDermott. Mejri had some difficult times last season and the jury is out on whether the Mavericks will keep him. As always, money will be a major factor.
The Mavericks have several other key dates upcoming. On July 5, Doriean Finney-Smith will become a $1.5-million cap hold if he is not waived and Kyle Collinsworth will have $100,000 of his $1.4-million contract for next season guaranteed if he is not waived.
Ferrell averaged 10.2 points per game in 82 appearances for the Mavs this season, including 21 starts. McDermott averaged 9 ppg and shot 49.4 percent on 3-pointers in 26 games with Dallas after being acquired on Feb. 8 from the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade. Mejri averaged 3.5 ppg, 4 rpg and 1.1 bpg in 61 games for the Mavs.
* * *
East Player Movement | West Player Movement | Free Agent Tracker
