Just when you thought it was only Dirk Nowitzki who gave hometown discounts, Devin Harris just did the Mavs a huge favor.
Despite point guards such as Darren Collison and Shaun Livingston getting much bigger contracts in NBA free agency, Harris has agreed to stay in Dallas at a considerably lower rate. As in, Collison got three years, $16 million from the Warriors and Harris is expected to sign with the Mavs for three years, $9 million.
When I heard the Collision numbers it was scary. Because of the trading away of Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin, the Mavs were desperate to re-sign Harris. But surely those numbers would impact his self-worth, driving up his price as a backup point guard about to given the reins to a playoff team. Whatever his role, his minutes will increase from last year’s 20 per game.
Surely he could’ve milked the Mavs for more money, but they clearly dodged a financial bullet. Owner Mark Cuban met with Harris within 10 minutes of free agency and transaction was surprisingly swift and smooth.
You can focus on Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, but the Mavs’ biggest off-season signing may already be done.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
