Every single season, the buyout market becomes a crucial tool with which contending teams round out their final rosters for their playoff or title push. This season is no different, with multiple teams looking to pick up high-value veterans on minimum contracts.
Terrence Ross was expected to be one of the best names available on the market and the Dallas Mavericks pounced early, with a reported agreement between the player and the team for him to join the franchise.
That all changed very quickly, as it was soon announced that Ross will actually be signing with Mavericks’ rivals Phoenix Suns. Marc Stein has explained how the situation went down, with Ross agreeing to join the Suns while Dallas was playing against the Sacramento Kings.
The Mavericks, league sources say, believed on Saturday that they had a verbal commitment from Terrence Ross for the veteran swingman to join them after securing a buyout from Orlando. While Dallas was playing in Sacramento on Saturday night, Ross committed to signing with Phoenix upon clearing waivers instead. (h/t Marc Stein)
Ross averaged 8.0 points and 2.0 rebounds this season for the Orlando Magic before being bought out. He’s a 38.1% shooter from beyond the arc, but the Suns will hope he can tap into his defensive abilities and be a reliable wing on the depleted roster.
Phoenix And Dallas Headed For Another Playoff Battle?
The rivalry between the Suns and the Mavericks is one that began last season and ended in heartbreak for Phoenix, as they were upset in the second round of the playoffs by Dallas. This included a humiliating Game 7 meltdown where the Mavericks dominated Phoenix and ended their season inside their home arena.
With former teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving now being on opposite ends of this rivalry, everyone will be salivating to see them match up. Like last season, Phoenix has a better roster but Luka Doncic has proven he can never be counted out in the playoffs. With the possibility of Irving leaving Dallas for Phoenix in the summer, this rivalry might just end up intensifying over the next few seasons.
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