Mavericks are exploring a new contract for a key player ahead of the upcoming deadline

The start of the NBA season is just days away, and while the Dallas Mavericks have had a lot to do in terms of finalizing their roster in recent days, an even bigger change could be on the way.

Dallas waived AJ Lawson, Jamarion Sharp and Emanuel Miller while converting Jazian Gortman’s contract to a two-way deal, and their potential next move would have a direct impact on the future of their 15-man roster.

As the deadline for new deals for the first-round picks in the 2021 NBA Draft class approaches at 5 p.m. CT on Monday night, the Mavs have a decision to make regarding Quentin Grimes.

Dallas traded for Grimes at the start of the offseason, and they can either extend him to lock him in for the longer term or allow him to play this season without a new contract and he would become a restricted free agent next summer. The Mavs are in a tough spot with Grimes going into this extension, as he has only played in four preseason games. The sample size is small, but it could be dangerous for the Mavs not to extend him considering he could secure a much larger contract.

DLLS Mavs NBA insider Marc Stein originally reported that Grimes had emerged as a “candidate” for that extension ahead of Monday’s deadline, and I’m told that deal will be on the line either way.

Grimes showed in the preseason that he will be a good role player in Dallas, as he averaged 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc shot in the city center. His 3-point shooting was poor, but he showed many exciting qualities in his minutes.

Grimes’ best game of the preseason came against the LA Clippers when he posted 20 points, four rebounds and two assists, showing how dominant he can be when he’s at his best. He made shots off the dribble and catches, made open layups from off-ball cuts and even ran the pick-and-roll as a ball handler.

His offensive game is much more than just catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, and his dynamism in that area will make the difference. He can create his own shot when needed, and his passing ability when attacking closeouts appears to be one of his strengths.

Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford should take advantage of the opportunities created by dump-off passes from Grimes, and he gives them plenty of offensive flexibility.

The fact that Dallas has already considered extending Grimes is a good sign for him, considering he has only played in four preseason games, and they likely believe in his long-term potential as a key player in the rotation. It remains unclear how Grimes will fit on the field in game scenarios, but his versatility should allow him to fit nicely into whatever role Jason Kidd assigns him.