The Dallas Mavericks have opened initial talks on a contract extension with Josh Green, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Green will become a restricted free agent next summer if he and the Mavericks don’t agree to a rookie-scale extension by October 23.
During an interview with NBA writer Olgun Uluc of ESPN, Green said he’s hopeful for a contract extension with the Mavericks. The 22-year-old is playing for Australia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“I’ve really just focused on this. Whatever happens kind of happens. Obviously, it’s a cool feeling to be in that situation but, at the same time, I put so much work to be able to be in this position now, that you wanna continue to work,” Green said. “I hope it happens. I want to be in Dallas. I love Dallas. I love the fanbase, love the guys. To think I could be in Dallas long-term would be amazing.”
Green appeared in 60 games for the Mavericks last season. He averaged 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 53.7% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc and 72.3% from the free-throw line.
Green has career NBA averages of 5.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 166 games with the Mavericks. Dallas drafted him with the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Arizona. The Mavericks are 91-75 when Green plays.
The Mavericks missed the play-in tournament last season after making the Western Conference Finals in 2022. Superstar Luka Doncic said, “Something’s got to change for sure” during his end-of-the-season press conference.
Dallas was only 5-11 in games Doncic and Kyrie Irving played together. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
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