The Dallas Mavericks expect to have maximum or near-max cap space available next summer and LaMarcus Aldridge undoubtedly would be a top target.

Aldridge is in the final season of a five-year, $65 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Aldridge rejected a three-year, $55 million extension this summer, just as other superstar players have done due to the financial benefit of waiting for free agency.

“It’s just financially smarter to wait,” said Aldridge at the time. “And I’m looking forward to signing the five-year deal when the chance comes.”

Aldridge was asked about free agency on Thursday.

“Ease up on that,” he said.

Aldridge is a native of the Dallas area.

“That’s hard to speculate,” Brandan Wright said. “He says he wants to be here (in Portland). I’m going to take his word for it, especially this early in the season.”

Dirk Nowitzki would be interested in having Aldridge join the Mavericks, even though they have similar games.

“I think I’ve showed in my career that I can play with anybody in this league,” Nowitzki said. “In some situations, he’s playing the five [center] when they go small, so …”