Dallas Mavericks: 3 Free Agents to avoid in 2020

Dallas Mavericks: Free Agent to Avoid No. 2

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG

Bogdan Bogdanovic is a good player. There’s no doubt about it. The 6-foot-6 wing is a restricted free agent on the rise. The 3-year vet works well off the ball, averaging 15.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 37.4% from beyond the arch. He’d be a great fit alongside Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks.

But he isn’t a third star.

In the same way Tim Hardaway Jr. isn’t the third star on a contender, Bogdanovic isn’t either. While Bogdan has improved every season in the league, he’s long in the tooth given his pro experience. At 28-years-old, Bogdan is in the prime years of his career. That’s great if you’re happy with where he’s at right now, but if you’re paying for continued progression, you’ll probably be disappointed.

As a player in his prime, Bogdan is looking to cash in on this, what will likely be, his biggest contract. That means if Dallas signs him, they are opting out of the 2021 free agent sweepstakes. It means Dallas considers Bogdan the third star capable of pushing Dallas over the top.

Restricted free agents are inherently risky propositions. Stealing them from another team requires paying more than his own team is willing to pay. The Sacramento Kings has not-so-subtly stated they want to match any/every offer for Bogdan. Given the state of their financial affairs that may not be possible if someone like the Mavs makes a big offer (would have to clear cap room).

Dallas has done it before, after all. Dallas most recently paid big money to restricted free agent Delon Wright (ended up compromising on a sign-and-trade) and a few years ago to a budding young player named Chandler Parsons.

Both times they paid for the man they hoped he’d become and both times that man failed to progress. The same fate likely awaits Bogdan.