This was just posted on the Dallas Morning News site:
Sources: Mavs-Nuggets trade talk heats up
Howard, LaFrentz headline potential deal
02/21/2002
By JODIE VALADE / The Dallas Morning News
Trade talks between the Mavericks and Denver Nuggets have escalated just hours before Thursday's 5 p.m. trade deadline, league sources said, to the point that the teams are seriously considering a blockbuster deal swapping major players: Denver's Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz and the Mavericks' Juwan Howard.
If an agreement is reached, the Mavericks would land the coveted LaFrentz and disgruntled Van Exel as centerpieces. The deal also would include swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad and point guard Avery Johnson.
Dallas would surrender Howard and his $18.75 million salary for this season along with Tim Hardaway and role players who could include Donnell Harvey or Greg Buckner.
Denver's desire to deal Van Exel, who has requested a trade, is at the heart of the talks. Van Exel also could be the trade's downfall. The Nuggets also are considering a simpler swap of Van Exel for Minnesota's Terrell Brandon.
The deal with the Mavericks would allow Denver to unload several hefty contracts and position them for a run at one of the big-name free-agent candidates in 2003, which include Jason Kidd and Tim Duncan.
The Mavericks' acquisition of LaFrentz and his smooth offensive abilities as a 6-11 forward would require the team to take on several other contracts - including Van Exel's. Denver has stipulated that any team asking for LaFrentz also would have to take the point guard.
Additionally, Abdul-Wahad has a $43 million contract that runs until 2007 - a contract that is regarded as highly overvalued for a player with a career average of 8.1 points.
Both sides have trepidation due to the disruptive factors of the trade. Van Exel has a turbulent history, including a tenuous relationship with Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris when both were with the LA Lakers. The Mavericks would have to surrender their only low-post offensive threat, Howard, and the team's veteran and vocal leader, Hardaway.
But LaFrentz, who averages 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3 blocks, would provide another potent offensive threat for the Mavericks and make for a talented frontcourt when combined with Dirk Nowitzki. A starting lineup of Steve Nash, Van Exel, Michael Finley, Nowitzki and LaFrentz would combine some of the league's top scorers.
Denver, meanwhile, would begin another rebuilding process with the trade. The deal also would be the first for Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, the Mavericks' player development coach last season. Vandeweghe has a close relationship with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and was a fan of Harvey and Buckner when he worked with the Mavericks.
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