Wang more important than China/Mavs "understanding"

[Usually Lurkin]

I found this at dallasbasketball.com

Looks like the Mavs are willing to sacrifice china relations to keep Wang. But would do a S&T if that's what Wang wants.


The Wang Way
Donnie: ‘There Is No Agreement’

By Mike Fisher -- DallasBasketball.com
For the first time, the Mavericks are discussing the details of their arrangement with China regarding Wang Zhizhi and are talking boldly of eventually putting the needs and desires of the club ahead of those of the Communist country.
“It’s 100-percent that we will do what’s in the best interest of the good ol’ Mavs,’’ team president Donnie Nelson tells DallasBasketball.com. “We will not lose an important asset, and we will do what is beneficial to the organization.’’
The specifics of Dallas’ agreement with China to allow Wang to be the first-ever Asian player in the NBA have, until now, been kept purposely vague as far as the public is concerned. Now, though, Nelson is willing to offer details.
“There is no agreement,’’ Nelson says, suggesting that it is an “understanding’’ rather than a contract that motivates the Mavs to be as cooperative as possible with China. “It’s like you and your next-door neighbor. We spent two years of hard work, along with some fine people over there, to make Wang’s dream come true. Him taking these steps has put all of us in a precarious position. But politics aside, it’s a typical negotiation, really.’’
Of course, it’s impossible to completely place politics aside here.
Wang, a promising young Mav who is a restricted free agent, has angered China by failing to report back to his country this offseason. Wang has instead remained in the US, saying he wants to work on improving his skills.
Wang can receive offers from other NBA teams with Dallas having the right to match. Maybe in part because of the red tape involved, Wang has not received such an offer. Nelson says he is optimistic that Wang can once again be a part of the organization.
But, he adds, “we are willing to look at anything. A sign-and-trade is a possibility, if he wants to go that route. We’re open to lots of different options on that front. Being (proactive with China) is an option. Re-signing him is a consideration. Working together with his representatives and other teams (for a sign-and-trade) is a consideration. It’s complicated. It’s just going to take some time.

[madape]

I didn't come to that conclusion from this article. Nelson's words are "It’s 100-percent that we will do what’s in the best interest of the good ol’ Mavs". It could be in the better interest of the Mavs to just let Wang go. There are going to be better players coming out of China than Wang. There are probably players the Mavs have their eye on right now. Signing Wang, or even brokering a sign and trade may have an impact of the Mavericks relationship with China. The Mavs probably see more value in being able to scout in China and the negotiate for Chinese players, than they do in re-signing Wang Zhi Zhi. The Mavericks really have never really gushed over Wang like he was the second coming of Dirk or anything. There are over 3 Billion people over there that are just now becoming crazy about basketball. In ten years, there may be as many World Class Chinese basketball players as there are Europeans. The Mavericks relationship with China puts them at a distinct advantage over everyone else in the league to capitalize on this trend. So the question is: Is it better for the Mavericks to keep that relationship strong, or flush that relationship down the toilet for a player that may struggle to stay in the league?

[pepperfletch]

Madeape, Donnie did make it clear during the interveiw that the Mavs would not lose an asset...that is when he stated the Mavs would do what is best for the Mavs. It seemed to me when he said that, along with his earlier comments that the Mavs were not restricted by any agreements with the Chinese,that the Mavs would either sign him or secure something in return. Donnie said that what problems the Chinese were having were basically their problem, not the Mavs. Donnie also discounted Wangs actions this summer as simply part of his neogotition tactics, nothing more.
I think Donnie made it very clear that the hype of this summer will not change the fact that the Mavs have Wangs rights and will benefit from them one way or the other...

Usually Lurkin is on track given the actual interview on the radio yesturday...GOOD NEWS