"The idea of Stephon Marbury intrigued the Dallas Mavericks at one point.

But when New York reached a buyout agreement with its petulant star Tuesday, the Mavericks never discussed adding him to the roster.

The decision had nothing to do with reports that Marbury is destined to land in Boston.

It had everything to do with the improved play of J.J. Barea.

"We looked at it early in the season," owner Mark Cuban said of pursuing Marbury if he was released. "But J.J. is playing a whole lot better.

"He's had some great games."

None of the Mavericks had a great game in their loss to San Antonio. The lack of effort and focus makes you wonder if the past three weeks has been a mirage.

But Barea was at least decent with 14 points and three assists. That's more than can be said for most of his teammates.

"It's good they have that confidence in me, but I don't pay attention to that," Barea said of Cuban's endorsement. "I just come out and try to play my game every day. I don't care who is out there free or who they are trying to talk to.""