Don't get excited about the Stephen Jackson-to-Dallas talk

Published Aug. 31, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.

When I read Dime Magazine's report that Stephen Jackson wanted out of Golden State and listed "anywhere in Texas" among his preferred destinations, my mind immediately started pondering how he'd fit with the Mavs.

I was fired up about how one of my favorite NBA players -- a versatile shooter/distributor/defender who just happens to be a colorful personality that provides blog fodder by the bunches -- might enhance the Mavs' core. So I started kicking tires...and found out that the odds of Jackson joining the Mavs are closer to none than slim, even in a straight salary dump.

That's not to discount DallasBasketball.com's report over the weekend that the Warriors want to discuss such a deal (maybe Jackson, maybe Monta Ellis) with the Mavs. Mark Cuban's nemesis Nellie might make that phone call, but from what I'm hearing, the potentially awkward conversation probably wouldn't last very long. (Although, if the Mavs could somehow get Ellis in a deal in which J.J. Barea is the best player they're giving up, that'd be awfully tough to turn down. But that sure would be tough to sell in Warriors World.)

Cuban and Donnie Nelson, armed with Greg Buckner's buyout and a lot of other expiring contracts, will continue to explore ways to make the Mavs better. But it's not a fit with Jackson, even though Rick Carlisle remains a fan of the fiery swingman after coaching him in Indiana.

It's a matter of money and minutes.

Back | Read more at Dallas Mavs blog