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A torn left Achilles tendon that cost Wesley Matthews the final 22 games of the 2014-15 regular season and five postseason outings isn't scaring teams from offering the 6-foot-5 shooting guard big money this offseason.
The Sacramento Kings are keen on making some sort of a splash in free agency, recently sending the Philadelphia 76ers a package of Nik Stauskas, Carl Landry, and Jason Thompson to create the cap room necessary to bring aboard noteworthy talent.
Kings officials reportedly met with Matthews on Thursday, offering the 28-year-old a four-year, $64-million deal, ESPN's Marc Stein reports. And Matthews reportedly turned it town:
Wes Matthews Latest: ESPN sources say Matthews' camp has notified Kings he's unlikely to take their offer, making Dallas even more likely
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 3, 2015
The competition for Matthews' services is fierce, with the Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks both coveting the sixth-year pro. And it appears it's Dallas where Matthews wants to go.
USA Today's Sam Amick recently reported that Matthews is seeking a deal for at least $15 million per season, which is on par with what the Kings are prepared to give him.
What Matthews truly desires, though, is fair compensation in a winning environment, which is why he'd prefer to join the Mavericks, play alongside Dirk Nowitzki, and contend for a championship.
But ESPN sources say Dallas is Wes Matthews' preferred destination -- over both Kings and Raptors -- and that Mavs are favorites to land him
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 3, 2015
Matthews earned $7.2 million last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 15.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 33.7 minutes, shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from 3-point range.
When healthy, Matthews is one of the league's top 3-and-D weapons, although returning to form following an Achilles injury will be a daunting task.
Reports are that Dallas wants to sign Matthews at $12 million per season, thus keeping them in the running for another quality piece like DeAndre Jordan, who met with the team shortly after free agency began on Wednesday.
The Mavericks now have a vacancy at shooting guard after Monta Ellis agreed to terms on a four-year, $44-million deal with the Indiana Pacers. Matthews, who is looking for an increased role, would presumably fill Ellis's spot and become one of the focal points of the offense.
Sacramento may have the finances to sway Matthews, but it appears that his heart is set on playing in Big D. The ball is in the Mavericks' court, it seems.
