Offseason 2010 Thread

[chumdawg]

This whole thing is starting to piss me off!

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Third-hand info from ChicagoJK at LMF, but in all likelihood reliable:

Good choices all around.

Wow, so the head hancho himself would be going to recruit Johnson. Tying up commitments with Dirk, Haywood and Johnson prior to the Lebron pitch would be huge. It all depends on what we have to give up for him in a S&T, though. They key is to preserve enough assets to make it worthwhile for Cleveland.

If it took Dust and Dojo to get Johnson we would have Butler, Roddy, two future 1st picks, expirings (Barea&Stevenson) and cash to throw at Cleveland, plus they'd be sending Lebron out West. Hopefully that would be enough... it sure has heck beats their alternatives.

[BGMaverick9]

Some people have the WTF reaction for Carlisle being the one going to talk to Haywood, but he makes the most sense. They have to get their act resolved and stop whatever bickering might have happened based on the rotation. Did Haywood deserve to get benched in place of Damp over the later part of the season and in the series against SA, some would say yes, some would say no. Either way, Carlisle made the decision and they just need to clear the air and move forward together.

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

Wow, so the head hancho himself would be going to recruit Johnson. Tying up commitments with Dirk, Haywood and Johnson prior to the Lebron pitch would be huge. It all depends on what we have to give up for him in a S&T, though. They key is to preserve enough assets to make it worthwhile for Cleveland.

If it took Dust and Dojo to get Johnson we would have Butler, Roddy, two future 1st picks and cash to throw at Cleveland. Hopefully that would be enough... it sure has heck beats their alternatives.

I don't expect things to get wrapped up quickly with JJ, even if Dallas is his first choice. And beyond that, if Dallas does in fact find themselves in a position to bring in both JJ and Lebron, I'd be willing to bet that the negotiations on the deals will be intertwined. It won't be an, 'Everything's squared away on JJ, now we can get Lebron' thing, but instead will be more along the lines of, 'we've determined that we're at the top of both LeBron and JJ's lists and we've got discussion under way with both Atl and Cle (and possibly other teams as well) to try to meet their expectations for a S&T'.

I'm not going to get greedy, though. JJ for Damp plus a combination of picks/cash/DoJo would ring my bell big time. Just ensure that you've also got the center position squared away with two legit big men and you've got yourself a formidable contender.

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Some people have the WTF reaction for Carlisle being the one going to talk to Haywood, but he makes the most sense. They have to get their act resolved and stop whatever bickering might have happened based on the rotation. Did Haywood deserve to get benched in place of Damp over the later part of the season and in the series against SA, some would say yes, some would say no. Either way, Carlisle made the decision and they just need to clear the air and move forward together.

That was my first thought as well. Before Dallas and Wood decide they move forward with their partnership you've got to make sure that Rick and Brendan are on the same page. And you probably have to give Haywood a clear signal that Rick's committed to him as a player.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

I don't expect things to get wrapped up quickly with JJ, even if Dallas is his first choice. And beyond that, if Dallas does in fact find themselves in a position to bring in both JJ and Lebron, I'd be willing to bet that the negotiations on the deals will be intertwined. It won't be an, 'Everything's squared away on JJ, now we can get Lebron' thing, but instead will be more along the lines of, 'we've determined that we're at the top of both LeBron and JJ's lists and we've got discussion under way with both Atl and Cle (and possibly other teams as well) to try to meet their expectations for a S&T'.

I'm not going to get greedy, though. JJ for Damp plus a combination of picks/cash/DoJo would ring my bell big time. Just ensure that you've also got the center position squared away with two legit big men and you've got yourself a formidable contender.

It appears Haywood's status is looking better...and maybe the market DOES die down (Chandler is not opting out) and teams might be bracing for missing out on stars and reserve their money for next year's crop. So guys might not be getting awesome value like they had hoped, giving our MLE even more potency.

FYI, Larry Coon is having a live chat on hoopshype in the next few minutes.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

I'm not going to get greedy, though. JJ for Damp plus a combination of picks/cash/DoJo would ring my bell big time. Just ensure that you've also got the center position squared away with two legit big men and you've got yourself a formidable contender.

Adding Joe Johnson to last year's squad wouldn't be a bad thing at all...

[BGMaverick9]

This made me laugh

Eddie in in compton CA:
if Boston get dirk he be the big men they need and they need to resign ray allen and the team will be back to a team that can go to the NBA Finals again no need to rebulid now they can make one more run with dirk more runs

[mkat]

so would they keep Butler too or send him away in a trade package?

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by mkat

so would they keep Butler too or send him away in a trade package?

No one has any idea at this point. He's got considerable on-court and contractual value so I fully expect Dallas to try to keep him unless they're getting a very good return by trading him away.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Adding Joe Johnson to last year's squad wouldn't be a bad thing at all...

Yeah the great thing about going after JJ up front with DUST / Dojo-picks-cash is even if it doesn't lead to Lebron you have still upgraded your roster tremendously and have a large assortment of possibilities to continue to improve the roster.

[Dirkenstien]

dp

[SMC0007]

So excluding LBJ and Wade because I don't believe that to be realistic for several reasons. If Joe Johnson takes up NY or another teams offer and we can't get him, what would be the new target? What is the backup option?

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

This made me laugh

Well stated.

[Nowitzki4President]

Anyone have espn insider for this:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...%3dMavs-100629

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Third-hand info from ChicagoJK at LMF, but in all likelihood reliable:


Quote:
Fish is saying Mark is going to LA tonight to be at Joe Johnson's location at 9:01 PM, Donnie is going to be in Germany trying to track down Dirk and Carlisle will be in DC at Haywood's house.

Good choices all around.

I wonder if Cuban is 1st or 2nd in line at JJ's location. Chris BROussard just said a few mins ago on espn that Joe Johnson was meeting with NY when the clock strikes.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

So excluding LBJ and Wade because I don't believe that to be realistic for several reasons. If Joe Johnson takes up NY or another teams offer and we can't get him, what would be the new target? What is the backup option?

If we're talking strictly free agents, I would assume Rudy Gay the next in line for the Mavs after Johnson.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I wonder if Cuban is 1st or 2nd in line at JJ's location. Chris BROussard just said a few mins ago on espn that Joe Johnson was meeting with NY when the clock strikes.

My guess is second...it's just a guess. Wojnarowski for yahoo reported that the Knicks will talk to him but sources indicated that JJ doesn't see NY as his first option on places to sign.

Wojnarowski is a pretty solid guy when it comes to information, so I trust his stuff.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Nowitzki4President

Anyone have espn insider for this:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...%3dMavs-100629

Link

Just after midnight Eastern Time (11:01 p.m. Central Time) on Wednesday, the free-agent frenzy will begin officially, and starting Thursday, six teams reportedly will make their pitches to persuade LeBron James to sign with them.

So far, the Dallas Mavericks are not said to be on that list, in part because they don't have any cap space and would have to try to work out a sign-and-trade with LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers. But in any case, as ESPN NBA writer Marc Stein has reported, LeBron has respect for the Mavs and their owner, Mark Cuban. Therefore, the team might get a hearing.

In recent weeks, I've detailed how the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers will make their respective pitches to LeBron when July 1 arrives.

Now it's the Mavericks' turn, and the Mavs are unlike every other team we've profiled. They have not spent months or years getting rid of players for the chance at LeBron. They've been doing the exact opposite, actually. The Mavs spent the trade deadline improving their team, taking on money and trying to win a championship. The team fell short again this season, but because of its strong roster, Dallas does find itself uniquely prepared to make a pitch to LeBron.

Although the Mavs don't have cap space, that doesn't mean they haven't planned and strategized to get LeBron. In November, Marc Stein examined the possibility that the Mavs could get into the LeBron chase.

Now that free agency is upon us, let's look at the Mavericks' case in more detail, thanks to a well-placed source familiar with the team's thinking. Whether or not Cuban and the Mavs get to make their case, this is what they can tell LeBron:

1. "We have what it takes to make a sign-and-trade work."
Let's get the first question out of the way right now. How can the Mavs, who have one of the highest payrolls in the league, get LeBron?

Although it's true they don't have the cap space to sign LeBron straight out, the Mavs believe they have the assets to persuade the Cavs to agree to a sign-and-trade.

Why would LeBron be interested in a sign-and-trade when he could go directly to a team with cap room? In a sign-and-trade, he could sign a six-year contract with 10.5 percent yearly raises on his deal. If he signs directly with another team, he could get only a five-year deal with 8 percent yearly raises. The difference would be nearly $30 million throughout the life of the contract.

But would the Cavs agree to participate in a sign-and-trade? Two things would have to happen to make that so.

First, LeBron would have to go to Cavs owner Daniel Gilbert and tell him that the team has no chance of re-signing him. Then he would tell the Cavs that either he will leave for a team like the Bulls or he's willing to work out a sign-and-trade -- with Dallas or another team -- so that the Cavs get something in return. ESPN colleague Ric Bucher has reported what many have believed all along: that the Cavs do not want to participate in a sign-and-trade. While naturally one would expect them to make that clear at this point, as they want to bring LeBron back to Cleveland, what's not clear is what the Cavs would do if LeBron gave them an ultimatum: Lose me for nothing, or get assets in a sign-and-trade.

Second, even if the Cavs would listen, the Mavs would have to make an offer worth listening to.

So how would they do that?

Any deal would start with Caron Butler, a former All-Star small forward who is going into the last year of his deal. Butler is coming off a shaky season in which he was traded from Washington to Dallas. After scoring 20 points per game for two consecutive seasons, Butler averaged just 16.3 ppg last season. Still, although he's far from a LeBron-like talent, he's a good small forward and would fill a hole for the Cavs.

Butler probably would not be enough to persuade the Cavs to say yes. In that case, according to my source, the Mavs would offer to eat one or two of the Cavs' bad contracts by sending Erick Dampier (whose contract isn't guaranteed next year) for players like Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. Doing a deal like that would immediately remove $11-13 million from the Cavs' payroll, putting the Cavs about $13 million under the cap this summer, enough for them to make a play at a free agent.

Would $13 million in cap room, getting out of an unwanted contract or two and landing Caron Butler make up for a loss of LeBron? No. Not close. But would it be better than losing LeBron for nothing? Possibly.

What could seal the deal? Perhaps Rodrigue Beaubois. Losing the dynamic, second-year guard would be a very painful pill for the Mavs to swallow and could even be a deal-breaker for Dallas. But in limited minutes last season, Beaubois looked very tantalizing and is the type of young guard the Cavs could build around. If trade discussions take place, you can expect that the Cavs will want him and the Mavs will be adamant that he stays in Dallas. If LeBron does want to move there, who would blink?

2. "We give you the best chance to win now."
What kind of team would LeBron be joining? A veteran team with a former MVP, a former MVP runner-up and plenty of experience.

You start with Dirk Nowitzki, one of the best scorers in the NBA. Assuming the Mavs will be able to re-sign him this summer, he immediately would become the best player with whom LeBron has ever played and perhaps his perfect complement.

The Knicks will suggest to LeBron that the way to win -- with LeBron controlling the ball -- is to spread the floor with players who can shoot. The Mavs agree. But all the Knicks can offer LeBron is Danilo Gallinari, an unproven big man who just finished his second season in the league. Dallas, on the other hand, offers a former MVP who is still playing at the highest level. Nowitzki turned 32 in June but has shown few signs of slowing down as a scorer. In fact, he shot a career-high percentage (42 percent) from 3-point land last season.

At point guard, LeBron would get one of the all-time greats in Jason Kidd. Kidd turned 37 in March but has been remarkably durable and consistent of late. He's not scoring big, but he remains, along with Steve Nash, the league's consummate playmaker. The fact that LeBron and Kidd are close certainly should help the Mavs -- and in fact, you can expect Kidd to help lead the Mavs' charge for LeBron starting Thursday.

The Mavs also have other key veterans such as former sixth man of the year Jason Terry and defensive specialist Shawn Marion in their rotation. And if they add Varejao via trade, they'll have a big man with defensive ability and a great motor to round out the team.

Mavs fans also are excited about Beaubois, an athletic blur who wowed them whenever he got into the game during his rookie season. If the Mavs aren't forced to trade him as part of a LeBron sign-and-trade, he will be their best young player going forward.

In addition, the Mavs will have their full midlevel exception to play with in an attempt to add another big man. With so many teams trying to cut payroll, they should have a great shot at free agents willing to sign at that level.

Add to the mix a veteran coach like Rick Carlisle, and the Mavs with LeBron would become the odds-on favorite to win an NBA title next season.

3. "We have an owner who will spend."
"The Mavs have never given up on a season," our source says, "unlike all the other teams in the hunt."

Mark Cuban hates to lose. Since buying the team, he's consistently spent whatever it takes, making big trades and signing free agents to put the Mavs into contention. In 2006, they made it all the way to the NBA Finals before falling to the Miami Heat, and they've won 50 or more games for 10 straight seasons. Cuban may be controversial for his outspokenness, but few owners in the league match his business smarts, creativity and passion for their team.

LeBron could rest easy knowing that as long as Cuban owns the Mavs, he will do whatever it takes to be a contender -- every year. Although the team is aging, Cuban and GM Donnie Nelson have remained aggressive, showing a remarkable ability to turn expiring contracts into veterans who can play.

Not only that, but Cuban has spent the money to make the Mavs a first-class organization, with many perks for his players, and for that reason he has a great rep around the league.

4. "This is a town that likes everything big."
The last reason may be less obvious than the first three. Dallas is not New York, Los Angeles or even Chicago in terms of its national profile. But it's a huge market -- the metropolitan area ranks as the fourth-most populous in the country. And LeBron's fond of the city.

Perhaps just as importantly to LeBron, Texas doesn't have state income taxes. As noted in the article on the Miami Heat, that should save LeBron roughly $500,000 per year, or $3 million over the life of the contract.

Cuban also can offer LeBron some glitz that neither New York nor L.A. can offer -- the chance to play a handful of games each year at the spectacular new Cowboys Stadium, where the NBA just played the All-Star Game and set attendance records. LeBron is a huge Cowboys fan and likely would relish the idea of playing in front of, say, 60,000 fans when the Lakers come to town.

Put these four points together, and the Mavs' wooing of LeBron doesn't sound that far-fetched. In fact, it could be the preferred route for both LeBron and the Cavs if LeBron decides to leave. More money. A better team. An owner who has deep pockets. The chance to make history in Dallas. Would he say no to that?

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by jthig32

If we're talking strictly free agents, I would assume Rudy Gay the next in line for the Mavs after Johnson.

Knowing our luck...we'll get him and Memphis will say "FOOL YOU! He's staying!"

[Dirkenstien]

Hawks planning to offer Johnson the max?

http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA

AJC report that Hawks preparing 6-year Bird Rights deal is devastating news to potential Joe Johnson suitors. He wants to stay in Atlanta.

http://twitter.com/ajchawks

Source says Hawks to offer Joe Johnson max 6 yr Bird rights deal at start of free agency

I would be very surprised. With that said, we have other options.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Link

thanks for posting that...it's clearly a solid pitch.

Gilbert is dumb with a stubborn stance: We don't wanna be known as the team that traded away LeBron...

Yeah, that sounds a lot better versus We're the team that let LeBron go and we got jack squat in return.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Knowing our luck...we'll get him and Memphis will say "FOOL YOU! He's staying!"

I realize you're kidding, but it's worth pointing out to anyone else that the Gortat situation won't apply this time, because any acquisition of Gay will have to involve Memphis in a SnT. So Memphis would have to be involved from the beginning.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

Hawks planning to offer Johnson the max?

http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA



http://twitter.com/ajchawks




I would be very surprised. With that said, we have other options.

Man..I have no idea why he would want to stay in Atlanta. But Wojo knows his stuff.

I wouldn't downplay this; this would be huge news for us. I personally think Joe Johnson is the focus of our off season right now.

[grndmstr_c]

Joe Johnson really wants to stay in Atlanta?

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Joe Johnson really wants to stay in Atlanta?

I find that so, so hard to believe.

And to be honest...if he does...then I probably don't want Joe Johnson anyway.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Link

That is a great pitch and he didn't even mention we already have a top defensive center in Haywood as well (assuming we resign him which I don't think we'll have any problem doing).

If we went all in like this it would allow Cleveland to start rebuilding immediately. I'm not sure any other team could offer that opportunity and still be an attractive location for Lebron.

Haywood / Verajao / Shaq?
Dirk / Gooden?
Marion / Miller?
Lebron / Terry / Stevenson
Kidd / Barea / Dojo

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by jthig32

I find that so, so hard to believe.

And to be honest...if he does...then I probably don't want Joe Johnson anyway.

Yeah, I really don't get why both sides would be OK with giving it another go. It just seems like they're going through the motions "Hey please stay, here you go..."
It just sort of seems like feigned effort/PR-boost to say they at least tried. If they can't work it out, they're playing ball and doing what's best for him and the team by getting the most out of it with a max deal that creates better S&T possibilities for them.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Joe Johnson really wants to stay in Atlanta?

If you're Johnson you simply can't turn down that kind of money. It's overpaying him big time. Something Dallas was/is willing to do because of our circumstance, but something that doesn't make a whole lot of sense in Atlanta.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Some people have the WTF reaction for Carlisle being the one going to talk to Haywood, but he makes the most sense. They have to get their act resolved and stop whatever bickering might have happened based on the rotation. Did Haywood deserve to get benched in place of Damp over the later part of the season and in the series against SA, some would say yes, some would say no. Either way, Carlisle made the decision and they just need to clear the air and move forward together.

No doubt, man to man, have it out. No fluff, this is how we're going to use you, are you in or out? I love how Cuban runs the show, I mean if you want the jersey, dancing girls, scoreboard announcement, you don't belong on my basketball team, but if you agree to what coach has planned for you next season, you're our guy.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

If you're Johnson you simply can't turn down that kind of money. It's overpaying him big time. Something Dallas was/is willing to do because of our circumstance, but something that doesn't make a whole lot of sense in Atlanta.

Taking a quick lap around ATL boards. They're gonna be pissed if he takes the Max offer because they're tired of the same roster and they know they've maxed out their potential as constructed. They also think it's just a ploy to give the impression they're not being cheap. The idea being that they KNOW he's not going to come back to Atlanta, even for the max, but just offer it as a sign that "they're willing to spend."

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

If you're Johnson you simply can't turn down that kind of money. It's overpaying him big time. Something Dallas was/is willing to do because of our circumstance, but something that doesn't make a whole lot of sense in Atlanta.

Oh, for sure, if Atlanta ponies up the dough and nobody else does, he's almost certain to stay. I'm just saying, if Chicago/Miami/Dallas and the like make him the same offer it seems strange to me that Atlanta would be his top choice.

[Kidd Karma]

Not too surprising that ATL would front the max now, when gun is to their head. We'll see if it's a little to late for JJ. Hopefully those boos are still ringing in his mind.

[BGMaverick9]

DLord from db.com on the news of JJ and Atlanta

THIS IS NOT A REPORT ... it's merely someone passing along somewhat weak info, and hoping you think there's more of a story here than actually exists.

Woj is NOT reporting that JJ will sign with Atlanta. He's merely commenting on someone else's report that the Hawks are acting like they're going to bid to the moon, and his thought that this might bring JJ back. But that bid may or may not be an actual max deal (it may merely be for max years) ... and there's no indication JJ wants to play in Atlanta. We'll see.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by grndmstr_c

Oh, for sure, if Atlanta ponies up the dough and nobody else does, he's almost certain to stay. I'm just saying, if Chicago/Miami/Dallas and the like make him the same offer it seems strange to me that Atlanta would be his top choice.

Chicago and Miami couldn't offer him that extra $30million, though. At his age that's huge money. He'll be making almost $25 million in his last season at age 35.

Dallas would obviously be interested but it would have to be via S&T and if Atlanta truly wants to just keep him and that's his only option at the money then he'll accept it.

[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

DLord from db.com on the news of JJ and Atlanta

I'm not sure what the ploy would be though. I mean who are they kidding? For Johnson to stay it's going to come down to the numbers but implying they'll pay to the moon to keep him won't drive up interest or offers in S&T's.

In other words, if they're truly willing to just hold on to him at that price it doesn't make me want to up the ante with out S&T offer. We have many other options and not many teams will want to take on that much salary so in the end they will have bluffed and wasted peoples' time only to have Johnson eventually leave like he has been saying he'll do all along.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

I'm not sure what the ploy would be though. I mean who are they kidding? For Johnson to stay it's going to come down to the numbers but implying they'll pay to the moon to keep him won't drive up interest or offers in S&T's.

In other words, if they're truly willing to just hold on to him at that price it doesn't make me want to up the ante with out S&T offer. We have many other options and not many teams will want to take on that much salary so in the end they will have only bluffed and wasted peoples time only to have Johnson eventually leave like he has been saying he'll do all along.

It's that added year that makes a difference for him. I think it's all a moot point because I honestly think he doesn't wanna stay in Atlanta. Teams like Chicago, Miami, and NY are going to offer him the most they can.

The calling card I've heard about Atlanta is they're cheap, so this really just seems like a PR move. They don't really want him, he knows that...he doesn't wanna stay here, they know that - Just make the offer to show you tried.

[jthig32]

Some quotes on Haywood.

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks are placing a high priority on re-signing center Brendan Haywood, who becomes an unrestricted free agent tonight. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle will be on Haywood's doorstep when the gates open at 11:01 CT.

Acquired in the February trade from Washington, the 7-foot Haywood will have other suitors, and his price tag might ultimately become too rich for the Mavs. However, president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson provided one key assurance for Haywood: He will enter next season as the team's starter even if Erick Dampier remains on the roster.

"I think that's just a natural progression of that position," Nelson said. "Those two guys, as a one-two punch, are a pretty formidable center tandem, but I think it would just be, like I said, just a natural progression for Haywood to step into that role."

There's been speculation that Haywood's effort at either end of the floor didn't always please Carlisle, and Haywood has had a hard time living down his, "I just work here," comment after the first time Carlisle went back to Dampier as the starter.

Haywood averaged just 23.2 minutes and started two games in the first-round playoff loss to San Antonio, averaging 6.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. He averaged 8.1 points and 7.4 points in 28 games -- 19 starts -- with Dallas in the regular season.

Nelson said Haywood provided everything the team expected.

With a lack of quality centers available, and the Mavs' deep need for an athletic defender and low-post scoring threat, Dallas will have to be prepared for a bidding war. Haywood, who will enter his 10th season, earned $6 million last season, and a source with knowledge of Haywood's thinking said the starting price for the Mavs will start at a higher rate.

The Mavs own Haywood's Bird rights, meaning they can sign him for up to six years and for more than any other team.

"That's all for me and [Haywood's agent] Andy [Miller] and Mark [Cuban] to figure out at the right time," Nelson said. "And that time is 12:01 New York [time.]"

The bolded part at the end is the most interesting tome. That's an aggressive tone Donnie is setting.

[Dirkenstien]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ar...y_approaches/#

Just as Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson was set to board a plane to Germany, he was informed that Dirk Nowitzki is headed back to the United States as free agency approaches.

"Mavs announce that team prez Donnie Nelson, just before boarding flight to Germany, informed Dirk now flying back to States on Thursday," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote on his Twitter page.

Nowitzki plans to be back in the United States on Thursday, when free agency begins.

Some believe that his decision to return from Germany could be a disadvantage for Dallas as the All-Star forward might be planning to meet with other teams.

Do we have a "rolls eyes" icon? Talk about trying to push for a story.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Some quotes on Haywood.



The bolded part at the end is the most interesting tome. That's an aggressive tone Donnie is setting.

It sure does! I mentioned it earlier, it's a not an approach to just hope things happen because it's Dallas. They're being aggressive and not leaving anything to chance. I really like their plan and assets at their disposal, they're leaving it out there. We might not land LeBron, but we are going to land a solid addition to the roster.