With the Mavericks now officially eliminated from the 2012 post-season, all eyes in Dallas have turned to the summer of 2012 and the potential for the team to re-shape itself in free agency.
The big prize is Dallas native Deron Williams, but according to a report from ESPN.com's Marc Stein, a homecoming is far from a sure thing:
One source well-acquainted with Williams' thinking told ESPN.com this weekend that the Mavericks, in their current state, have no better than a "50-50 shot" of getting D-Will's signature in July ... despite the fact that the Nets aren't any closer to landing Howard than they are.
The two teams with the most cap space this summer are the Nets and the Mavericks. New Jersey doesn't have the player the caliber of Dirk Nowitzki, but they are in a much bigger market and they could offer Williams the chance to be the face of their franchise as they make the move to Brooklyn.
For all the latest news, rumors and analysis about the Mavericks plans in the summer of 2012, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas storystream and head over to Mavs Moneyball.