G Matthews agrees to deal with Mavs

And as indicated by Marc Stein of ESPN, Matthews’ options have narrowed to the Raptors and the Dallas Mavericks, who he says are “locked in battle” for the Portland Trail Blazers unrestricted free agent.

Matthews turned down a massive offer from the Sacramento Kings to join the Mavericks.

Greg Monroe signed with the Bucks to take him off the market, while players like LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan are still deciding on what to do. Lebron is probably going to go back to Cleveland after his near flawless season there at the National Basteball Association finals, but as for Wade, he is the biggest question mark.

The 28-year-old Matthews’ deal with Dallas can’t be officially signed until July 9. Known as a top-flight perimeter defender and a prolific 3-point shooter, Matthews averaged 15.9 points per game last season. ESPNDallas.com’s Tim MacMahon reported earlier this week that the Mavs are reluctant to meet Matthews’ price considering the daunting history of players who have been felled by a torn Achilles tendon. The team signed Carroll to a $60 million deal so that could keep them out of the Matthews chase depending on what he is asking for. If that’s the bar for “3 and D” wings, Matthew could reasonably land a $15 million salary in free agency.

With Matthews in the mix, the Raptors are apparently considering a lineup of Matthews at shooting guard, DeRozan at small forward, and Carroll at power forward. MacMahon reported this week that the trio has had multiple conversations about the chance to play together in Dallas.

The timing of the recovery video, conjoined with the opening of free agency, is likely not accidental.

There are reports that Aldridge would prefer one of the Texas teams – Mavericks, Rockets or Spurs – as his next destination.