Dallas-Mavs.com Forums - View Single Post

ZueriMav · 08-12-2003, 07:55 AM

Just found on DFW.com Didn't want to make an extra thread of it. Some interesting comments of Donny: "Guys, take it easy: The off season has just started [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] "

_________________________________

Posted on Tue, Aug. 12, 2003 story[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]UB_DESC
Mavericks considering Stepania or a trade
By Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The Mavericks remain interested in free agent Vladimir Stepania and might sign him, according to league sources, if they can't trade for a big man soon.

Among the possible trade targets for the Mavs are Dale Davis, Antonio Davis, Kurt Thomas, Vitali Potopenko, Brian Grant, Eric Dampier, Adonal Foyle, Danny Fortson and Marcus Camby.

Two bigger-name big men, Rasheed Wallace and Kenyon Martin, are not realistic targets for the Mavs, sources said.

Wallace is on the trading block in Portland, and Martin has said he wants to be traded. However, Wallace's contract (worth more than $15 million next season) and Martin's situation (he's a restricted free agent after the season and the Nets likely want to throw high-priced Dikembe Mutombo into any trade) make the chances of the Mavs dealing for either slim.

Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said the team is in no hurry to make a trade.

"It's a waiting game," Nelson said Monday from Lithuania. "Each team has a different set of circumstances. There are times when you think you're close to something and someone gets cold feet, the deal is too rich or someone throws a zinger into it.

"It's so tough to predict what's going to happen."

As far as available big men go, Stepania is probably at the top of what remains on the free-agent market. The 7-foot-1, 255-pounder just completed his fifth season in the league and averaged a career-best 7.0 rebounds per game for Miami.

Stepania, who made $1.35 million last season, is seeking a multi-year deal. Several teams, in addition to the Mavs, have shown preliminary interest.

"We've been in touch with Dallas," said Mark Fleisher, Stepania's agent. "They've expressed interest, and we've agreed to continue talking."

Nelson said the perception around the league that the Mavs are desperate to make a move for a low-post presence has affected negotiations.

"Everyone thinks we're desperate. We're not desperate," said Nelson, who returns from a coaching stint with the Lithuanian national team Friday. "We're ready to go to war with what we have. We're a good team, and we're not going to get pushed into a corner.

"We don't need to make a deal. Our best tactic may be to keep this team together and see what we have at the trading deadline. Pressure is self-inflicted, and we're feeling no pressure."

Nelson said the Mavericks would prefer to keep Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel together. But he said no player is off-limits.

"To get better you have to trade significant pieces to get significant pieces, usually," Nelson said. "In some form or fashion, everyone's name gets thrown into a scenario. That's the way the game is played.

"Of course, our preference is to keep the core together. But it's not like that's going to prevent us for making a deal that makes sense."

The Mavs are scheduled to resume talks with free agent Raja Bell after Nelson returns. Herb Rudoy, Bell's agent, said negotiations have gone slowly.

"Right now their offer is not very satisfactory," Rudoy said. "We're going to continue talking to other teams.

"Donnie and I have agreed to talk next week. Raja really wants to come back to Dallas. We'll just see what happens."

In his first season with the team, the defensive-minded swingman proved a valuable contributor, starting 32 times. Utah, Atlanta and San Antonio are also believed to have interest in Bell.

Insurance issues bug Cuban

Before the World Championships last summer, Mark Cuban voiced concern over the lack adequate insurance covering Mavericks playing in the tournament. Michael Finley and Raef LaFrentz (Team USA) and Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) participated.

Steve Nash (Canada) and Eduardo Najera (Mexico) are scheduled to play in an Olympic qualifying tournament that begins Aug. 20 in Puerto Rico. The Mavs' owner said his position on insurance covering his investments in players hasn't changed.

"Reggie Miller last year was the perfect example of why I am concerned," Cuban said. "Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter at all."

Miller sprained an ankle last summer playing for Team USA and missed the first 14 games of the NBA season.

08-12-2003, 07:55 AM	#60
ZueriMav Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Zurich, Switzerland Posts: 277	Vladimir Stepania Just found on DFW.com Didn't want to make an extra thread of it. Some interesting comments of Donny: "Guys, take it easy: The off season has just started [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] " _________________________________ Posted on Tue, Aug. 12, 2003 story[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]UB_DESC Mavericks considering Stepania or a trade By Art Garcia Star-Telegram Staff Writer The Mavericks remain interested in free agent Vladimir Stepania and might sign him, according to league sources, if they can't trade for a big man soon. Among the possible trade targets for the Mavs are Dale Davis, Antonio Davis, Kurt Thomas, Vitali Potopenko, Brian Grant, Eric Dampier, Adonal Foyle, Danny Fortson and Marcus Camby. Two bigger-name big men, Rasheed Wallace and Kenyon Martin, are not realistic targets for the Mavs, sources said. Wallace is on the trading block in Portland, and Martin has said he wants to be traded. However, Wallace's contract (worth more than $15 million next season) and Martin's situation (he's a restricted free agent after the season and the Nets likely want to throw high-priced Dikembe Mutombo into any trade) make the chances of the Mavs dealing for either slim. Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said the team is in no hurry to make a trade. "It's a waiting game," Nelson said Monday from Lithuania. "Each team has a different set of circumstances. There are times when you think you're close to something and someone gets cold feet, the deal is too rich or someone throws a zinger into it. "It's so tough to predict what's going to happen." As far as available big men go, Stepania is probably at the top of what remains on the free-agent market. The 7-foot-1, 255-pounder just completed his fifth season in the league and averaged a career-best 7.0 rebounds per game for Miami. Stepania, who made $1.35 million last season, is seeking a multi-year deal. Several teams, in addition to the Mavs, have shown preliminary interest. "We've been in touch with Dallas," said Mark Fleisher, Stepania's agent. "They've expressed interest, and we've agreed to continue talking." Nelson said the perception around the league that the Mavs are desperate to make a move for a low-post presence has affected negotiations. "Everyone thinks we're desperate. We're not desperate," said Nelson, who returns from a coaching stint with the Lithuanian national team Friday. "We're ready to go to war with what we have. We're a good team, and we're not going to get pushed into a corner. "We don't need to make a deal. Our best tactic may be to keep this team together and see what we have at the trading deadline. Pressure is self-inflicted, and we're feeling no pressure." Nelson said the Mavericks would prefer to keep Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel together. But he said no player is off-limits. "To get better you have to trade significant pieces to get significant pieces, usually," Nelson said. "In some form or fashion, everyone's name gets thrown into a scenario. That's the way the game is played. "Of course, our preference is to keep the core together. But it's not like that's going to prevent us for making a deal that makes sense." The Mavs are scheduled to resume talks with free agent Raja Bell after Nelson returns. Herb Rudoy, Bell's agent, said negotiations have gone slowly. "Right now their offer is not very satisfactory," Rudoy said. "We're going to continue talking to other teams. "Donnie and I have agreed to talk next week. Raja really wants to come back to Dallas. We'll just see what happens." In his first season with the team, the defensive-minded swingman proved a valuable contributor, starting 32 times. Utah, Atlanta and San Antonio are also believed to have interest in Bell. Insurance issues bug Cuban Before the World Championships last summer, Mark Cuban voiced concern over the lack adequate insurance covering Mavericks playing in the tournament. Michael Finley and Raef LaFrentz (Team USA) and Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) participated. Steve Nash (Canada) and Eduardo Najera (Mexico) are scheduled to play in an Olympic qualifying tournament that begins Aug. 20 in Puerto Rico. The Mavs' owner said his position on insurance covering his investments in players hasn't changed. "Reggie Miller last year was the perfect example of why I am concerned," Cuban said. "Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter at all." Miller sprained an ankle last summer playing for Team USA and missed the first 14 games of the NBA season.