Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 3

Hoopsworld.com

"In this week's section geared exclusively towards the latest rumors floating around the NBA … Kidd Staying Put: An informed source has told HOOPSWORLD that Jason Kidd intends to return to the Dallas Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million contract. Kidd has indicated to the Mavericks and New York Knicks that he'll mull over their respective offers over the weekend. The Knicks are said to be offering Jason a guaranteed three years at the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) which works out to be approximately $18.1 million. Barring a surprising change of events, Kidd is expected to notify the Dallas on Monday that he'll take their offer which would start at approximately $7.25 million for the ..."

Dallas Mavericks make offer to free-agent center Gortat

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July 2

Dallas Morning News

"The Dallas Mavericks have made an offer to Marcin Gortat, the 6-11 center from Poland who has become one of the hottest free agents in the NBA."

Mavs offer Kidd three-year deal

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July 1

ESPN.com

"The Dallas Mavericks opened the free-agent period early Wednesday by letting guard Jason Kidd know that they are prepared to sign him to a three-year deal, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. The specifics to be determined in those talks center on the money, with the Mavericks believed to be proposing a deal in the $21 million to $25 million range for the 36-year-old guard, and Kidd said to be seeking more. Kidd also attended his scheduled Wednesday meeting at Madison Square Garden with New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni, who works with Kidd as an assistant coach with Team USA. Kidd has legitimate interest in the Knicks given his strong ties ..."

Jason Kidd holds three-hour meeting with Knicks at Madison Square Garden

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July 1

New York Daily News

"Jason Kidd met for three hours with Knicks officials early Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Kidd, the veteran free agent point guard, gave Dallas the first crack at talking to him when he met with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban just after midnight. The Knicks feel they have a good chance to sign Kidd. However, the Mavs can offer him more money than the Knicks. Kidd greeted reporters but declined to comment."

Mark Cuban set to talk with Jason Kidd before Knicks' meeting

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July 1

New York Daily News

"By the time the Knicks take Jason Kidd on a grand tour of Madison Square Garden Wednesday, Mark Cuban will have already made an offer to keep the veteran point guard in Dallas. Cuban, the Mavs owner, confirmed to The News in an e-mail Tuesday that he planned to meet with Kidd at 12:01 a.m., the official start of the free agent recruiting period. It is believed that the Mavs will offer Kidd a contract starting at $8 million per over two years with an option for a third. Unless the Knicks negotiate a sign-and-trade with Kidd and Dallas, the club can offer him only its mid-level exception starting at approximately $5.8 million. Knicks president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni are hoping ..."

George exercises player option to return to Mavs

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July 1

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks were informed Tuesday that swingman Devean George has exercised his player option for the 2009-10 season, his agent said.George, 6-8, has been injury plagued for most of his three seasons with the Mavericks but also has enjoyed stretches of solid play as a backup and starter. He signed a two-year deal before last season and is scheduled to make $1.6 million next season. Agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed George's intentions.While taking the option year keeps George on the roster, it's no guarantee he will be with the team in September when training camp opens. His contract ends after next season, which makes him an attractive trade chip that could be added into any deal to make ..."

Kidd is big fish, but Dallas Mavericks view Bass as a keeper

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June 30

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks' first order of business will be to take care of their own when the free-agency period opens at 11 p.m. today. Jason Kidd's status isn't the only one that could get sticky. Brandon Bass, who blossomed into a capable backup power forward and center last season, will draw attention from several teams, his agent said Monday. While Bass falls into the second tier of free agents, losing him would force the Mavericks to rely more heavily on James Singleton - also an unrestricted free agent - and perhaps pursue a big man on the open market or through a trade. "Brandon likes Dallas and appreciates the Mavericks," agent Tony Dutt said. "He will certainly look at that, but he will ..."

Kidd the big fish, but Dallas Mavericks view Bass as a keeper, too

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June 30

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks' first order of business will be to take care of their own when the free-agency period opens at 11 p.m. today. Jason Kidd's status isn't the only one that could get sticky. Brandon Bass, who blossomed into a capable backup power forward and center last season, will draw attention from several teams, his agent said Monday. While Bass falls into the second tier of free agents, losing him would force the Mavericks to rely more heavily on James Singleton - also an unrestricted free agent - and perhaps pursue a big man on the open market or through a trade. "Brandon likes Dallas and appreciates the Mavericks," agent Tony Dutt said. "He will certainly look at that, but he will ..."

Stackhouse to the Bucks?

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June 25

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Keep an eye on swingman Jerry Stackhouse of the Dallas Mavericks as the hours tick down to Thursday night's college draft. The Mavericks are talking up Stackhouse and his favorable contract as trade bait and the Bucks are said to be one of the teams that are listening. Stackhouse's contract is worth $7 million next season but it can be bought out for $2 million which mean a considerable savings for any team that might want to trade for him and go that route. It's very similar to the contract of Bruce Bowen who was obtained by the Bucks in the trade for Richard Jefferson. Bowen is to make $4 million next season but only half of that deal is guaranteed. If the Bucks are confident that they ..."

Dallas Mavericks looking for right deal

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June 24

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks had no choice Tuesday but to stress patience - to themselves and their fans. Rival San Antonio used a pair of contracts similar in nature to Jerry Stackhouse's to acquire Richard Jefferson from Milwaukee. So why couldn't the Mavericks pull off such a deal? It wasn't for lack of effort. They had what president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson called a "fairly active" Monday and Tuesday. And they will continue to try to use Stackhouse's contract as the primary chip in trade talks that they are confident will still pay off in the long run. "There's a chance we could do something around the draft and probably an equal chance we would just carry it into July when a lot of ..."

With 22nd pick, Dallas Mavericks may take point guard

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June 21

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks aren't married to their pick in Thursday's draft, the 22nd overall selection. It's just that they can't find anyone to grant them a divorce. Not yet, anyway. The reality of the great financial meltdown of 2009 is that NBA draft picks after the first dozen or so cost a lot more than they are worth. "Teams don't want to take on lower-end draft picks," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. "They just cost money. It's not like they'll give us a player for 22. They don't want 22 or 20-whatever." That could always change, of course. But for now, the Mavericks are plotting their draft night as if they will be staying put. Even though there are teams in the lottery looking to dump ..."

Source close to Anderson Varejao says reports Cavs forward talked to Mavs owner are false

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June 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Anderson Varejao is a man of international mystery this week. On Wednesday, a Brazilian blog released an interview with Varejao discussing a wide range of topics -- from the Cavaliers' season to the Los Angeles Lakers winning the title to his upcom- ing free agency. The last topic is where it got sticky, though, and was getting re action every where from Cleveland to Dallas to Mi ami. In the inter view, with the blog NBA Web Sportiva, Varejao is quoted in Portuguese as saying: "I've had two conversations with [Dallas Mavericks owner] Mark Cuban this month and he offered me a three-year deal worth $11 million [about $19 million U.S.]. But I told him that I would like to remain in ..."

Nowitzki files for paternity test

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June 20

Dallas Morning News

"Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki's attorney has filed a petition seeking a paternity test from his ex-girlfriend, Cristal Taylor, and sole custody of her yet-to-be-born child if tests prove he is the father. The petition was filed last Friday in the Dallas County courthouse and obtained by The Dallas Morning News. And a former housemate of Taylor's told The News that Taylor gave birth to three children who are now teenagers, none of whom she raised. Meanwhile, ESPN.com reported that agents from Beaumont's FBI field office obtained recordings of allegedly threatening phone calls Taylor made from the Jefferson County Correctional Facility to Robert Hart, Nowitzki's attorney. Taylor, ..."

Latest NBA rumor: Blazers targeting Turkoglu, Kidd?

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June 19

Oregonian

"Nothing better to usher us into the weekend than a big, juicy rumor. From Yahoo! Sports and Adrian Wojnarowski: For all the Portland Trail Blazers' usual misdirection plays about moving up in the draft, few say they're sincere in climbing into the lottery. Ultimately, it's thought that the Blazers are trying to clear cap space - perhaps as much as $10 million - and multiple league executives think Portland is determined to sign Orlando Magic free agent Hedo Turkoglu.For now, the Blazers are trying to find a taker for point guard Sergio Rodriguez and his $1.6 million salary. They're interested in Dallas Mavericks free agent Jason Kidd, too. The Mavericks want to keep Kidd, who will probably ..."

Westphal leaving Dallas Mavericks to become Kings coach

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June 10

Dallas Morning News

"Paul Westphal, a member of the Mavericks' organization the last two seasons, has been selected as the new coach of the Sacramento Kings. Maverick officials became aware of Westphal's new job Tuesday evening. He served as vice president of basketball operations, assisting president Donnie Nelson. In 2007-08, Westphal was on Avery Johnson's coaching staff. Westphal's appointment with the Kings eliminates the final year of his contract with the Mavericks. Formerly a head coach at Seattle and Phoenix, Westphal replaces Kenny Natt and is expected to be named officially today."

Taylor reiterates claim that she's pregnant with Nowitzki's child

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May 23

Dallas Morning News

"Through the glass of visitation booth No. 48, Cristal Taylor's hazel eyes flashed varying emotions. Desperation. Confusion. But, mostly, anger. On Friday, a day after Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki's attorney publicly doubted Taylor's claim that she is pregnant, Taylor fought back during her first face-to-face interview since her May 6 arrest at Nowitzki's home. Well, as face-to-face as a prisoner in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility is allowed to get to a visitor. "I'm willing to take a polygraph test on anything I state; can they do the same?" she asked of Nowitzki and his attorney, Robert Hart. "This is getting outrageous. It's turning into such drama." On Monday, Taylor told ..."

Nowitzki's attorney doubts Taylor's claim she's pregnant with Dallas Maverick's child

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May 22

Dallas Morning News

"Dirk Nowitzki's attorney released a statement on Thursday voicing doubt about Cristal Taylor's claim that she is pregnant with Nowitzki's child. In a statement released to ESPN.com, Robert Hart said that in the "remote" chance Taylor's claim is true, Nowitzki will do everything possible to "ensure the health of the child." Hart pointed skepticism in particular about Taylor's statement to The Dallas Morning News that she did not learn of her pregnancy until she was twice tested at Dallas County jail following her May 6 arrest at Nowitzki's home. "We have been told that she was not administered a pregnancy test [in Dallas County Jail]," Hart said in the statement. Nowitzki left Dallas ..."

War's not over for Martin, Cuban

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May 19

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The war of words between a billionaire owner and a millionaire player continues to simmer as the NBA playoffs move on. Denver power forward Kenyon Martin said over the weekend that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was "a coward" for apologizing to his mother through the internet rather than face to face for reportedly making disrespectful comments after Game 3 of the Mavericks' second-round series with the Denver Nuggets in American Airlines Center. It was the latest salvo in a long-running give-and-take of both words and stance-taking between Cuban and Martin. After Game 3, Martin's mother was seated near the exit that Cuban uses to leave the arena. Cuban has acknowledged saying "that includes ..."

Forget any debate, Dallas Mavericks eager to re-sign Jason Kidd

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May 16

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"When Jason Kidd helped lead the Dallas Mavericks past the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, I giggled. When the same Kidd was embarrassed by the Denver Nuggets' Chauncey Billups in the second round, I retched. I suspect most of you shared those conflicting emotions. In those two scenarios lie the ever-present dilemmas the Mavericks face as they decide whether to re-sign their 36-year-old point guard to a new contract. Kidd is good enough to take the Mavs to a certain point, but in the NBA's Western Conference with its profusion of ultra-talented point guards, he's eventually going to run into someone — Chris Paul, Billups, somebody — who eats his lunch and makes him ..."

What Mavericks need is a Stackhouse clone

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May 16

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The Dallas Mavericks know more about themselves than the rest of us do. If you think the team needs another scorer, they already know it. If your instincts say they need a better post presence, they've already reached that conclusion. And what you might not realize, but they already have dissected and come to grips with, is the player they need to replace most this summer. Jerry Stackhouse. Yes, the man who played a grand total of 10 games this season proved to the Mavericks that they need what he used to offer on a nightly basis. It's seeking that kind of player — not necessarily that position, but that sort of production and attitude — that the Mavericks view as a key quest for the ..."

Mavericks should keep Kidd

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May 15

Dallas Morning News

columnist Kevin Sherrington

"On his way out the door, if not the franchise, Jason Kidd, in a color-coordinated baby blue pullover, plaid shorts and Louis Vuitton flip flops, looked like a guy on his way to the beach. And that's because he is. "I don't know what beach," he said in the tone of the well-mannered child that belies the blood roiling underneath. "But I just want to relax." Easy enough for him to say. His contribution to this season is over, to mixed reviews. On one hand, you have a Mavs team with a new coach and new system that stumbled to a 2-7 start, looked in early spring like it might miss the playoffs altogether, then righted itself under the point guard's steady hand before advancing to the second ..."

Terry clarifies comments on Kidd possibly leaving Dallas Mavericks

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April 30

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Though it looked at the time like Jason Terry knew something the rest of us didn't, he said Wednesday his comment about Jason Kidd's future was not a sign of Kidd's imminent departure from the Mavericks. After the Mavericks closed out San Antonio on Tuesday, the sixth man of the year said on a postgame television interview that "he [Kidd] is probably not going to be with us next year." That caused a stir among fans, but Terry said he wasn't privy to any future personnel decisions by the team. "Basically, I was saying the time is now to win," Terry said via e-mail. He added that since Kidd is a free agent this summer, there are no guarantees that Kidd will be in Dallas. Owner Mark Cuban and ..."

Dallas Mavericks' Terry named NBA's top sub, sources say

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April 23

Dallas Morning News

"Jason Terry, who accepted a strange new role this season, will be rewarded Friday when he receives the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year honor, several sources said Wednesday. The Mavericks have scheduled a news conference for Friday and Terry's award will be commemorated Saturday before Game 4. The 6-2 Terry, 31, averaged 19.6 points and came off of the bench in 63 of 74 games that he played, missing eight with a broken bone in his left hand. He had been a starter virtually his entire career before this season. "His willingness to embrace it [was key]," Carlisle said . "A lot of star-caliber players would struggle with that." Carlisle added that it was another star-caliber player who made ..."

Cuban not in hot pursuit of Shaq

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April 9

ESPN.com

"Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal is starting to drop thinly veiled hints about pushing for a trade to the Dallas Mavericks this offseason. After responding to several recent questions about his future with a mock growl, O'Neal told ESPN.com: "You know who needs me, right?" Asked if he was referring to the Mavericks, O'Neal added: "You write it." But Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, in response, made it sound Wednesday as though he would prefer to keep his longtime friendship with O'Neal on a mostly Twitter level. Cuban wouldn't completely rule out a deal for O'Neal this summer, but he likewise offered only limited encouragement when asked before Dallas' crucial 130-101 drubbing of the Utah ..."

Big Shaq headed to Big D?

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April 8

Arizona Republic

"They're already working on nicknames for Shaquille O'Neal in Dallas. The Big Texan? The Big Shaq-adillo? The Big D-sel? OK, maybe they're jumping the gun a bit, but speculation is ramping up that O'Neal is angling to be moved to the Dallas Mavericks in the off-season. DallasBasketball.com reported Wednesday that O'Neal is telling friends he wants Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to make it happen. The report quotes an un-named "mutual friend" of Shaq and Cuban who said O'Neal is making no secret of his desire privately and that after the season "it won't be private anymore." Of course, adding fuel to this Texas rumor fire is an exchange of "tweets" on Twitter.com between The Big Texter and ..."

Mavericks' George will need knee surgery, likely out for season

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March 15

Dallas Morning News

"The bad news was confirmed for Devean George on Saturday. He will need arthroscopic knee surgery, which probably will end his season. George suffered cartilage damage in his right knee in Wednesday's game against Portland. He was examined by Dr. T.O. Souryal on Saturday in Los Angeles. "They told me I'm done [for the year]," George said. "But I believe in miracles. The first step is to get it taken care of and go from there." George said he will consult with his agent, Mark Bartelstein, to devise a game plan for rehabilitation. The 6-8 swingman is a free agent this summer. "It's a huge loss for us," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's probably our best perimeter defender. He was ..."

Lack of effort puts players' future at stake, Mark Cuban says

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March 5

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Throughout the season, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has expressed confidence in his players. Cuban has weathered the embarrassing losses, instead of focusing on the high level of talent on his team - four players who are either All-Stars, former All-Stars or near-All-Stars. The lack of achievement by his team finally got to him, however. After the Mavericks were humiliated Monday by an Oklahoma City team playing without its top two scorers, Cuban lashed out, and for the first time indicated that there are no untouchables on the team. He did not mention Dirk Nowitzki by name. Nor did he say that he might not re-sign Jason Kidd. And he did not express regret that he did not trade Josh Howard ..."

Lack of effort puts players' future at stake, Mark Cuban says

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March 4

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Throughout the season, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has expressed confidence in his players. Cuban has weathered the embarrassing losses, instead of focusing on the high level of talent on his team — four players who are either All-Stars, former All-Stars or near-All-Stars. The lack of achievement by his team finally got to him, however. After the Mavericks were humiliated Monday by an Oklahoma City team playing without its top two scorers, Cuban lashed out, and for the first time indicated that there are no untouchables on the team. He did not mention Dirk Nowitzki by name. Nor did he say that he might not re-sign Jason Kidd. And he did not express regret that he did not trade Josh Howard ..."

Cuban warns Mavericks after lackluster loss

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March 4

Dallas Morning News

"The fallout from Monday's non-effort in Oklahoma came quickly for the Mavericks. The owner was not pleased. Mark Cuban wasn't at the debacle. But he watched the sorry showing and probably could smell the stench from north of the border all the way back in Dallas. And on Tuesday, he promised fans that changes will come if such lousy performances persist with the Mavericks. "It's only one game, which I keep reminding myself," Cuban said Tuesday. "But let's just say I wasn't happy with our preparation, execution or effort. Not only did it look like we had no idea what we were doing, but we did it without effort. "The effort and energy, on both sides of the ball, by each player will decide ..."

Luther Heading elsewhere

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March 3

Newark Star-Ledger

"Agent Mark Bartelstein just made it unofficially official: The Nets are out of the running for his client, Luther Head. And before you jump to conclusions, you should know this: It was only their inability to guarantee playing time that was the dealbreaker. And no, they didn't go cheap on you with a playoff berth at stake: "If we wanted to come, they were willing to pay," Bartelstein believes. But here's your basic bottom line: "They have a three-guard rotation right now that they're set with, and we want Luther to control his own destiny," the agent said of his free-agent client, who was waived by Houston Saturday. "So it's not going to be the Nets -- it's just not the right fit. It's ..."

Kidd would like many seasons with Dallas Mavericks

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February 19

Dallas Morning News

"Jason Kidd is about to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his return to the Mavericks. Will he be around for a second and a third? There's a good chance. Kidd has said repeatedly that he would love to end his career in Dallas. Ask owner Mark Cuban that question, and he doesn't hesitate. "Absolutely," Cuban said. "As long as he can play at the level he's at, I hope he stays on." Kidd turns 36 next month and would like to play three more seasons. He admires John Stockton and often talks about how effective the former Utah Jazz guard was late in his career. Stockton was 41 when he retired. Kidd wants to stay because he knows Cuban will always do what he can to make the team better. ..."

Carter Unfazed By Rumors

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February 18

New York Post

"The trade deadline is tomorrow, and the number of teams rumored to be interested in Vince Carter virtually exceeds his scoring average. But Carter maintains he wants to stay a Net. After watching the Rockets, one of the teams atop the rumor list, rampage through and outmuscle the Nets, 114-88, last night with a dizzying display of 3-pointers, toughness and rebound superiority, one question arises. Why? "When you start something, you definitely want to finish it," said Carter. "We've come a long way since Day One." Carter hears all the rumors and tries to block them, but it's impossible. There's San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Cleveland, Portland - all looking for scoring, all involved in one ..."

Plenty of trade assets

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February 13

Bergen Record

"Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe are in Phoenix, enjoying the warm weather and trying to convince rival executives to help improve the Nets. Thorn, the Nets' president, and Vandeweghe, the general manager, have assets other teams are interested in, and should be very busy this All-Star Weekend. The Nets' brain trust recovered nicely from being forced to trade Jason Kidd last February and deciding to move Richard Jefferson in June. The Nets are in the playoff hunt, which few expected when this team started the season with three rookies, two second-year players and seven potential rotation guys 25 and younger. "We're probably a little bit ahead of where most people thought we would be at this ..."

Mavericks have discussed trade for Carter

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February 13

Yahoo! Sports

"The New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks have discussed a trade that would reunite Vince Carter and Jason Kidd, with Carter joining the Mavericks, a league source familiar with the discussions said Thursday night. The proposed deal, which isn’t imminent, would send Carter, Keyon Dooling and Eduardo Najera to the Mavericks for Josh Howard and Jerry Stackhouse. Nets executives are still reluctant to trade Carter, but are determined to let teams make their best offers all the way to next Thursday’s trade deadline. The Mavericks have lost guard Jason Terry to a broken hand and desperately need perimeter scoring to stay a contender in the Western Conference. The Nets’ and Mavericks’ front ..."

Mavericks will search for a complement to Dirk Nowitzki

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January 29

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"As we contemplate what the Dallas Mavericks may or may not do in the next three weeks leading up the NBA trading deadline, it's important to remember one thing: Everything must be viewed through the prism of the Dirk Window. The Mavs have cast their lot, for better or for worse, with the big German. They will ride that horse until he develops saddle sores, and then ride him some more. So as we discuss what the Mavs might do in the next three weeks to separate themselves from the lower-echelon playoff teams in the Western Conference, keep that in mind. It's all about Dirk and that's not likely to change in the next three to five years. Nothing wrong with that. When a franchise has a top 10 ..."

Loyal Nowitzki staying with Dallas Mavericks far into future

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January 25

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Believe it or not, Dirk Nowitzki is aware that Kevin Garnett was traded from the Timberwolves to the Celtics in the summer of 2007. What Nowitzki does not quite get is what that has to do with him. In recent weeks he has had to answer questions connecting his future to Garnett's past as if the two situations have something in common. "They don't," said Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey, who was Garnett's head coach for a season and a half in Minnesota. "They are two totally different situations." The theoretical link between Nowitzki and Garnett, who will line up against each other when the Mavericks meet the Celtics at noon today on ABC (WFAA/Ch. 8), is that each had had a long career in ..."

Talk of another Dallas Mavericks deal ... is it fact or fiction?

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January 22

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks have already made one deal. Will they make another before the mid-February trade deadline? No one can say for sure. My belief is they will. But I thought I'd pass along what the principals are saying so you can decide for yourself. Warning: believe these comments at your own risk. No team will divulge their true intentions this time of year. Owner Mark Cuban: "You just do what is best for the team. The guys understand it's a business. We're just about trying to win championships, one way or the other. "We're opportunists, like any other business. We'll go from there." President of basketball operations Donnie Nelson: "This [DeSagana Diop trade] doesn't preclude us from ..."

Dallas Mavericks' Cuban keeps open mind on trades

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January 21

Dallas Morning News

"You get the feeling Mark Cuban loves this time of year. Most everybody else in the NBA dislikes the month leading up to the Feb. 20 trading deadline. Some players are insecure about being rumored in trades. Management has to make tough decisions without letting emotion or loyalty get in the way. "That's the way it works every year," Cuban said. "You never know. This year will probably be a little more interesting because of the economy, as teams make adjustments to try and cut payroll. Maybe it won't be, but I'm guessing it will be." Cuban said he won't have any preconceived notions about whether to make a trade, even if it means taking on more money on the salary cap beyond 2010, the ..."

Don't buy that house just yet

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January 18

Salt Lake Tribune

"One month before the NBA trade deadline, there has been plenty of talk but little action. That could change before Feb. 19. In a year when six head coaches were fired during the first two months of the regular season, some believe management will be just as impatient with unproductive and/or high-priced players, whose performance has done nothing for their team's won-loss record and whose salary limits future roster flexibility. Call it a sign of these economically-depressed times. Charlotte point guard Raymond Felton is a likely target of several suitors. Felton was the No. 5 pick in the 2005 draft, taken just behind Utah's Deron Williams and New Orleans' Chris Paul. While he is not ..."

Dallas Mavericks make trade for 3-point shooter

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January 17

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The Dallas Mavericks have added another shooting guard to their stable after trading backup center DeSagana Diop for Charlotte Bobcats guard Matt Carroll and young backup center Ryan Hollins on Friday. This comes after last week's failed three-way bid to land Bobcats point guard Raymond Felton for Diop, who, in the span of 11 months, was traded by the Mavs in February, signed as a free agent in July to a five-year, $32 million contract, and traded again Friday. Carroll, a 40.3 percent career 3-point shooter, has had trouble finding minutes under new Bobcats coach Larry Brown. He's averaging 4.1 points in 14.0 minutes a game, but has started 10 games this season. He's shooting 40.6 percent ..."

Smith 'relieved' he wasn't suspended

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January 16

Rocky Mountain News

"Dallas owner Mark Cuban believed Nuggets guard J.R. Smith deserved a five-game suspension. Not only was Smith not suspended for an elbow he threw Tuesday that didn't connect, he didn't even get fined. "I'm relieved,'' Smith said. While the NBA closed its book Thursday on Smith, a league official said Cuban still is being investigated for talking to Smith at halftime about the incident and going onto the court in an animated fashion after a 99-97 Nuggets win that featured a late controversial call against the Mavericks. A decision could come Friday. Coach George Karl wasn't ever concerned about a suspension . "I don't know that, even if the elbow would have connected, that it would have ..."

Say no, Bobcats: Felton's too good to swap for Diop

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January 14

Charlotte Observer

"'page_heading' -->'content_top' -->'[/mi/pubsys/story/overline]' -->Comments (0) | Say no, Bobcats: Felton's too good to swap for DiopBy Scott Fowler sfowler@charlotteobserver.comPosted: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009Noting the sports world: I don't like the possible trade that would send the Charlotte Bobcats' Raymond Felton to Dallas for DeSagana Diop. Do you know what the 7-foot, 280-pound Diop is? A space-eater. A decent rebounder and shot-blocker. But overall, not much more than a stiff. Diop can't shoot at all (career average: 2.1 points per game). There's a reason he's been a career backup. I wouldn't be opposed if the Bobcats signed someone like Diop on the free-agent market - a ..."

Earl Watson, 3-team trade on hold

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January 13

The Oklahoman

"With Charlotte rookie point guard D.J. Augustin having aggravated an abdominal injury that could sideline him up to two weeks, a potential three-team trade between Charlotte, Dallas and Oklahoma City has been tabled. Veteran point guard Earl Watson, the Thunder player mentioned in the potential three-team deal, remains with the Thunder, which plays tonight at New Jersey. In a deal that was being discussed, Oklahoma City was going to receive a future second-round draft pick and veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse from Dallas, which needed to clear cap space to make the deal.In the trade proposal, Charlotte would deal point guard Raymond Felton and center Nazr Mohammed to Dallas. Charlotte would ..."

Thunder in trade talks with Charlotte, Dallas

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January 12

The Oklahoman

"A report in Sunday's editions of the Boston Globe cited a league source who said the Thunder is involved in a three-team trade that would send Earl Watson to the Charlotte Bobcats. The report did not indicate which player or players Oklahoma City would get in the deal, which would also send Bobcats guard Raymond Felton to Dallas and Mavs center DeSagana Diop to Charlotte. General manager Sam Presti, citing team policy, declined to comment on the trade report when contacted Sunday afternoon."

Sources: Bobcats talking trade with Mavs

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January 12

Charlotte Observer

"The Charlotte Bobcats are in ongoing trade discussions with the Dallas Mavericks, and possibly the Oklahoma City Thunder, that could move Raymond Felton and Nazr Mohammed, two NBA sources confirmed to the Observer. Some elements of a potential deal were first reported Sunday in the Boston Globe. The Observer has learned that any deal likely would include moving backup center Mohammed, who is owed about $13.3 million over the next two seasons. If a deal is consummated, the Bobcats likely would end up with Dallas Mavericks center DeSagana Diop. They pursued Diop during free agency last summer before he re-signed with Dallas. The deal Diop signed with the Mavericks is large - four more ..."

Kidd Talks Of Joining Knicks, Shows He's Still Got It

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January 9

New York Post

"Chris Duhon must have learned of Jason Kidd's remarks from the morning shootaround. Kidd said when he becomes a free agent this summer, he would consider the Knicks because of his love of coach Mike D'Antoni and the Garden, even though he would have to take less than market value. Duhon played his heart out last night and made the 35-year-old Kidd look 45. But that good stuff lasted just one half when the natural order of things was restored. Duhon was 9-for-9 in the first half for 22 points, bagging four 3-pointers and driving to the hole with grace as the Knicks built a five-point half-time edge. But, naturally, the Knicks blew the lead and the game. Duhon had just two points in the ..."

Josh Howard To Toronto?

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January 7

Hoopsworld.com

"The Toronto Raptors have been looking for a small forward, and HOOPSWORLD has learned that they may have finally found their man. A deal being discussed would send troubled forward Josh Howard to the Raptors in a deal that would land Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Parker in Dallas, with a combination that could involve DeSagana Diop and Antoine Wright headed back to Toronto. Howard has been brilliant at times for the Mavericks, even earning All-Star recognition two seasons ago, but it's not Howard's play on the court that has the team aggressively shopping him around the NBA. Howard's admission of drug use during the playoffs was his first step out the door, with subsequent lapses in judgment ..."

Is Sheed next to go? Probably not

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December 15

Detroit Free Press

"The New York Daily News started a rumor on Sunday that the Pistons will accept calls on trades involving Rasheed Wallace. It implied that the likely trade partner would be the Dallas Mavericks. Said the report: "That's a 'Mark Cuban move,' " said an Eastern Conference executive. "Cuban would take Rasheed, no question. It would be bold, but he knows he's got to do something to spark his team." Then today, HoopsWorld.com shot it down. According to that site: "Pistons' president Joe Dumars emphatically denied that he'd entertained talks on Wallace, saying he had no interest in dealing Rasheed - period." From what Dumars has said in the past, he will always at least listen to trade talk ..."

Stackhouse considering leaving Dallas Mavericks

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November 19

Dallas Morning News

"Jerry Stackhouse and his agent are exploring options for a possible departure from the Dallas Mavericks, the result of a turbulent first month of the season in which his playing time and level of performance have dropped dramatically. Stackhouse did not demand a trade Monday after practice, but he calmly detailed his situation and said that he feels there is plenty of good basketball left in him, too much to be a bit player. He speculated that the end of his Mavericks tenure might be coming soon and that the organization's decision to bring along young players has left him with an uncertain future, given that he will probably be a free agent next summer. "Sometimes, that cycle comes," ..."

Mavericks owner is a Marbury man

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November 17

Bergen Record

"Mark Cuban calls himself "a Stephon Marbury fan." "His [inexpensive] clothing and shoe line was one of the best ideas, [the] most impactful thing I've ever seen," Dallas' maverick owner said of the Knicks' pariah point guard. He also first said "absolutely" when asked if there would be a market for Marbury if the Knicks were to buy out his contract and release him, then backed off, saying, "I take that back. I'm not allowed to speak about players on other teams. So I have no idea. I don't need to be fined again." Yet, he backs the Knicks on not playing Marbury. "There isn't any controversy," Cuban said before Sunday's 124-114 overtime victory over the Knicks. "They're trying to change ..."

Mavericks Trade Rumors