The Cleveland Cavaliers made a strange move over the weekend, releasing defensive guard Deandre Liggins and officially signing veteran guard Dahntay Jones on Monday. Liggins’ stint with Cleveland ended after playing 61 games and earning 19 starts. He averaged 2.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game on 38.2 percent shooting but was mainly used for his defensive prowess.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Dallas Mavericks announced that they have claimed Liggins off waivers, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical. The Mavericks were the only team with an open roster spot and cap room to obtain the 29-year-old and have signed him to a non-guaranteed deal for the 2017-2018 season.
Dallas has claimed Cavs free agent DeAndre Liggins off waivers, league sources tell @TheVertical. Liggins' deal non-guaranteed for '17-18.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 11, 2017
Cleveland benefits
With the Mavericks claiming Liggins, the Cleveland Cavaliers will save $2.5 million in luxury tax, which is highly beneficiary for them since they pay a lot of tax already.
What it means for the Mavericks
The Mavericks have already been eliminated from playoff contention, so the move would not make an impact on the team. In fact, Liggins may not even play in the final two games for the Mavericks. Dallas may just want a closer look at the defensive ace to decide whether they should keep him next season or not.
However, if Liggins does play, it would be because the team is resting its veteran players. Guard Seth Curry has already been ruled out for the final two games with a shoulder injury, and it wouldn't be surprising if Rick Carlisle decided to rest guys like J.J. Barea, Dirk Nowitzki, Devin Harris, Wesley Matthews, and Harrison Barnes in the season finale.
The Mavericks will become Liggins' fifth NBA team in three seasons, as he has also previously played for the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and the aforementioned Cavaliers. Liggins has played overseas in Russia and Germany, as well as in the D-League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce. In the D-League, he won the Defensive Player of the Year award and has been named to All-NBA D-League Second Team and All-NBA D-League All-Defensive First Team.
Liggins' blue-collar style of play would suit the Dallas Mavericks if he is able to make the roster in the future. He hustles, provides tremendous defensive energy, and physicality. It was unfortunate that Liggins was unable to finish the season with the Cavaliers, but he made a great impression on other teams when he was filling the void for an injured J.R Smith.
