The third in a five-part series previewing free agency for the Dallas Mavericks:
This position clearly isn't a priority for the Mavs this summer.
They made their major investment in Chandler Parsons a year ago. The Mavs would prefer to re-sign Al-Farouq Aminu to back up both forward positions and would also like to bring back Richard Jefferson for the veteran's minimum.
Some small forwards who could be fits for the Mavs in the free agency market as they search for quality depth:
• Corey Brewer: The Mavs gave him away for "a bag of chips" in 2011, as Brewer stated during the playoffs, and he's looking for a raise after making $4.5 million last season. So Dallas probably isn't his preferred destination, but things don't always go as planned in free agency. If the Mavs aren't able to keep Aminu and the market for Brewer doesn't develop as he hopes, he could fill a void as an energy guy off the bench.
• Mike Dunleavy: He'll be 35 next season, but Dunleavy looked to have a lot left in him last season, when he was a starter for a playoff team in Chicago. His position flexibility and perimeter shooting ability (40.7 percent from 3-point range last season) would allow him to play with Parsons in addition to backing up the Mavs' $46 million man. Dunleavy made a very reasonable $3.3 million in 2014-15.
• Omri Casspi: He made the veteran's minimum the past two seasons and provided good bang for the buck with the Kings in 2014-15, averaging 8.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game. He has a reputation for being a good locker room guy.
• Tayshaun Prince: He broke into the league with Rick Carlisle as his coach. Could he finish his career being coached by Carlisle? At this point, Prince is still a pretty good defender but doesn't offer much offensively. He might have to settle for the veteran's minimum.
• Dorell Wright: You can never have enough shooters. Wright shot 38 percent from 3-point range in a limited role for Portland last season. Veteran's minimum candidate.
• Rasual Butler: See above. Shot 38.7 percent from 3-point range as a rotation player for the Wizards last season. Veteran's minimum candidate.
• Wesley Johnson: The former fourth overall pick, a native of Corsicana, Texas, averaged 9.9 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Lakers last season. Veteran's minimum candidate.