Delonte West is on the outs in Dallas, as we heard last night that the veteran guard could be waived in order to make room for Eddy Curry on the regular season roster. A trade or buyout may also be possibilities for West, who is currently suspended without pay. Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com has a few updates on West's suspension and the team's options going forward:
- The Mavs are currently in the process of negotiating the terms of West's departure with agent Dan Fegan. A trade doesn't appear likely, since West, as a recent free agent signee, can't be dealt until December 15th.
- MacMahon hears from a source that both of West's suspensions this months were the result of "frequent behavioral missteps" by the 29-year-old.
- West, for his part, seems to feel as if he's being unfairly scapegoated: "There was an argument between two teammates in the locker room [Wednesday] night that didn't involve me. Somehow I'm being blamed for it. I had nothing to do with it. I don't know what's going on."
- Mavs management was concerned about West's influence on the team's young players, says MacMahon. According to MacMahon, there was a "strong feeling" that West was upset and frustrated about his contract (one year at the minimum salary) and his playing time.
- While Dallas could continue the suspension without pay, the team would like to open up a roster spot for either Curry, Melvin Ely, or Chris Douglas-Roberts.
If he’s going to be a distraction on an ongoing basis he needs to go. Otherwise, Dominique Jones. They should have kept Josh Akognon and let both of these yahoos go, as much as I like West on the court.