The Dallas Mavericks have failed to make significant waves in the league over the past several seasons. The Mavs will have a chance to make noise next summer, having enough cap space to land another superstar in free agency.

The Mavericks had high hopes for Nerlens Noel when they traded for him last season. However, the contract uncertainty surrounding the 23-year-old will likely force Dallas to look for another center next summer.

DeMarcus Cousins could be the next face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise

Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki might retire after the next season or after the upcoming season.

The Mavericks will have to look for a new face of their franchise, and DeMarcus Cousins is expected to be mentioned in discussions.

Cousins, who is currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, will be one of the most notable free agents next summer. According to Sportingnews, the Mavericks are expected to pursue Cousins in free agency.

Cousins will give the Mavericks a polarizing presence inside the paint and could make a huge impact to the relatively young Dallas team as long as he keeps his emotion in check. The 27-year-old center could make life easier for Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, and rookie guard Dennis Smith Jr.

The seven-year veteran could also become available in trade talks before the deadline in February.

CBS Sports reported that the Pelicans could shop Cousins depending on their record prior to the trade deadline.

The former Kentucky standout was traded to the Pelicans last season before the deadline. In 17 games playing alongside Anthony Davis, the three-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points and 12.4 rebounds on top of 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

Dallas Mavericks could chase DeAndre Jordan again

If they fail to land Cousins next summer, the Mavericks could take another shot at DeAndre Jordan. The Los Angeles Clippers center is also expected to become a free agent after the 2017-18 NBA season.

The Mavericks reached a verbal agreement with Jordan in 2015, ESPN reported.

However, the Clippers made an aggressive pitch to the superstar center and managed to convince him to nix his agreement with Dallas. The 29-year-old eventually agreed to return to the Clippers.

It will be a different story next summer, though, since the Clippers might decide to go into a different direction. Chris Paul has already been traded to the Houston Rockets last summer, which could be a sign the Clippers are willing to make a significant roster shakeup.
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