Take it for what it's worth, but I ate dinner last night with a man who talks to Cuban almost daily. Cuban has expressed a great deal of interest in Ron and has already written up a deal that he thinks will bag Artest. They do not want to keep Kidd, so don't be suprised if Ron takes less money to sign with the Mavs. Keep in mind, this was discussed last night, there are things the NBA doesn't have to hear about, and Cuban is a multi-billionaire, there will most likely be money given to Ron that we will not hear about. Once again this is as credible a source as it gets so take it for what it's worth.
Dallas can only offer the MLE, or do a sign and trade with us. Dallas isn't likely to become a championship contender with Artest, so he has no reason to sign there cheaply like he would with the Lakers, Cavs, Celtics, Nuggets, or even Magic. We also aren't doing a sign and trade within the division unless we really get something great in return.
Is a sign and trade possible with Artest? Feigen has suggested in his blog that we wouldn't be allowed to trade Artest after signing him until December. If S&T is feasible, I'd consider exchanging Artest for Josh Howard. Howard is at a similar level skill-wise, but he's better at playing within his limitations. We perhaps lose a little toughness, and some of the energy Artest can bring. But I think that's a good trade for us.
I doubt they'd want to give up someone to get Ron, but if they do let's find a way to get them to include Ryan Hollins..
why wouldnt we be able to do a s&t right away? howard is a douche i would have a hard time rooting for a guy like that on the rockets terry and dampier would be my more looked at choices as a backup SG and backup C. and yeah i know terry is also a douche but I view him more of a person I dislike because he always kills the rockets with his scoring....Howard is just a plain ass through and through
Ron would bring a lot of toughness to the Mavs, but if they're not gonna re sign Kidd, wouldnt PG be their 1st priority ? I could see them going after a Bibby more than an Artest. Unless its a sign n trade ?
He just wants somebody to have his back who may be crazy enough to scare off Kenyon Martin because you know at some point Kenyon is going to look to settle this outside of the NBA.
I would think PG would be their first concern as well if they aren't interested in keeping Kidd. Maybe they want to pull a AB move with Barea and give him the reigns. As for Howard, besides being a total ass, it seems as though he might have some chronic injury issues.
In a S&T, a player must be immediately traded after he's signed. If he isn't immediately dealt then a 3 month trade restriction kicks in.
What makes you think this doesn't happen all the time in the NBA? I'm sure every owner who really, really wants a player does everything he can (maybe even outside the rules) to try and get that player, and what makes you think players aren't used to this? Just because Cuban really wants Artest doesn't mean Artest really wants the Mavs. Artest was embraced here in Houston from day 1, he's clearly found a home here on and off the court, and he truly appreciated the love and loyalty fans showed him here....especially given the circumstances. The Rockets players loved his quirkiness, and after McGrady was announced as out for the season, you saw how tight this group became. I really doubt Ron leaves Houston, and ESPECIALLY for less money like you said.
You're claiming an under-the-table deal? Shocking. Kidd staying or leaving is irrelevant to Artest IMHO. JoHo would be redundantized with Ron - Ron. I suspect the Wiz and Mavs will do Harris-Jamison II with the #5 pick, Thomas, Stack and the #23. I suspect Mavs will be relevant next season, with or without any under-the-table chicanery.
I actually believe Cuban wants someone to beat up Martin and he will do anything to make that happen. So while what was explained sounds like total BS i think cuban would love Artest on the team.
Well the OP is suggesting that Mark Cuban is paying players under the table, which is the number 1 reason why I find his fairy tale story hard to believe. Also their is only 3 teams that are able to give Ron more than MLE money besides us resigning him, and with the salaries of Dirk, Jet, Howard, and Dampier, it would be nearly impossible for Dallas to do more than give a low MLE offer. But Cuban pays for players under the table right? Thats how he rolls....
Ron isn't taking less money to go play for the Mavs. The most they can offer is the MLE. Cuban would probably front load the contract but I don't think Artest is fool enough to be enticed by that when he could get more money in the long run from us. I don't see Houston or Dallas being involved in a sign and trade deal at all either. Two rivals in the same division trading with each other? I know it happened with San Antonio but look how it turned out for the Spurs. It just doesn't happen a lot for those reasons.
I don't really see how it would because we can already offer Ron more than Dallas can. They can't get into a bidding war with us.
