Mavericks, Kings Tussling over Wesley Matthews

After a busy day first full day of NBA free agency, Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Wesley Matthews finds himself being courted by 2 teams, the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings.

ESPN sources say Raptors and Mavs still locked in battle for Wes Matthews. Yes: Raps still want him after striking deal with DeMarre Carroll

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2015

Both organizations plan to pair Matthews with a second high-profile free agent. The Mavericks would like to convince Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan to join the club, creating a potent frontcourt-backcourt defensive tandem. The Kings, meanwhile, sent coveted young guard Nick Stauskas plus forwards Carl Landry and Jason Thompson to the Philadelphia 76'ers in order to clear room for a whole new backcourt which will include two of the trio of Matthews, Rajon Rondo, and Monta Ellis. With Ellis in serious talks with the Indiana Pacers already, Rondo and Matthews may be their magic duo. Though Rondo would add significantly to Sacramento's already-overwhelming chaos quotient, he and Matthews could play well off of each other on the offensive end and have the potential to be terrific on defense.

Recovering from an Achilles injury and asking for $15 million per season, Matthews hasn't been mentioned much in conjunction with the Blazers in free agency. The assumption appears to be that Portland's 5-year incumbent starter will depart. The Blazers do hold his Bird Rights and remain able to make him an offer should they so choose.

Matthews had earlier been linked with the Toronto Raptors but that discussion seems to have died down for now, though the Raptors are still in the running.

Matthews has averaged 14.3 points in 32.2 minutes per game on 39.3% three-point shooting for the Blazers.