Mark Cuban Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Mavs Notes: Ferrell, Sanders, Bogut

February 4th, 2017 at 8:45am CST by Milo Taibi

After signing a 10-day contract with Dallas on January 27th, Yogi Ferrell has hit the ground running. The former Hoosier has averaged 37.8 MPG in four appearances and turned in a masterpiece last night, torching Portland for 32 points on nine 3-pointers in a 108-104 victory. Ferrell was cut loose by the Nets after playing in 10 games this season, but now looks to have found carved a role through the rest of 2016/17 in Dallas.

Ferrell deserves to be the first player ever to win NBA player of the week honors while on a 10-day contract, Eddie Sefko of Dallas News writes. Ferrell’s nine 3-pointers is the highest total from a Mavericks rookie since Roddy Beaubois scored 40 points against the Warriors in 2010/11.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban indicated he will sign Ferrell for the rest of the season, according to Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. GM Donnie Nelson praised Ferrell’s performance following Friday’s showing. “That’s exactly how we scripted it, step in and start against two of the top three teams in the league,” Nelson told Price. “It’s just really kind of a special moment in time and he put himself in a great position. It’s really very unique and he obviously was kind of the straw that stirred the drink for those two games against pretty formidable opponents. So let’s just hope the trend continues.”
The Mavericks are among five teams interested in free agent Larry Sanders, according to Gery Woelfel of Woelfel’s Press Box. Sanders’ agent, Joel Bell, indicated a deal with one of the teams could come together soon. “By the end of next week, we should have a reasonably good handle on where this is going,’’ Bell said.
Matt Mosley of Dallas News was hesitant to list Deron Williams or Andrew Bogut as a viable trade chip, noting each player’s extensive injury history. Bogut, who has been recently sidelined with a hamstring injury, hasn’t carved out a role in Rick Carlisle‘s rotation, averaging a career-worst three points through 25 games in Dallas. Tim MacMahon of ESPN noted the possibility of Bogut’s contract being bought out after the trade deadline.

Mavs Notes: Bogut, Nowitzki, Cuban

January 14th, 2017 at 1:03pm CST by Austin Kent

The 2016/17 hasn’t gone well for either Andrew Bogut or the Mavs and the latest realization that Bogut’s lingering hamstring injury will keep him sidelined certainly doesn’t help. Earlier today, Rick Carlisle told the media that he will hold Bogut out of Sunday’s contest and “for the foreseeable near future”.

Already limited to just 22 of Dallas’ 39 games this season, Bogut hasn’t had much of an impact on a Mavs team that’s limped out of the gates to a 12-27 record.

Though a healthy Bogut wouldn’t necessarily change the Mavs’ fate, it could play a role in whether the team is able to trade him, and if so, what they could expect in return.

There’s more out of Dallas:

A recent uptick in production has ESPN’s Tim MacMahon speculating that Dirk Nowitzki is close to returning to form following the strained right Achilles tendon issue that plagued him at the beginning of the season. Though his 13.2 points per game fall well short of his career numbers, that figure could soon rise if the 38-year-old is truly close to full strength for the Mavs.
There are plenty of reasons why the 2016/17 campaign has been a disappointing one for Mavs fans. Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas News recently examined who might be to blame for the lost season. Cowlishaw feels ownership and management haven’t made the most of the draft, opting instead to pursue big fish via free agency.
Vocal Mavs owner Mark Cuban would be in support of the NBA eventually expanding or relocating to Mexico City. “I like it down here,” he told Eddie Sefko of the Dallas News. “I would love a team down here.[…] It’s not all that far compared to Portland or Boston.”

And-Ones: PEDs, Cavs, Hawks, D-League, Cuban

January 13th, 2017 at 10:12pm CST by Luke Adams

Appearing in London this week, NBA commissioner Adam Silver was asked to respond to comments former NBA head coach George Karl made in his book about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the NBA. Although Karl put forth no proof that PED use is common in the NBA, he wrote that “it’s obvious some of our players are doping.” Silver acknowledged that the league will treat any allegations seriously, but responded to Karl’s comments with some skepticism (link via USA Today).

“I’ll just say our testing is state of the art,” Silver said. “I have no reason to believe whatsoever that we have an issue, either as the result of testing or as the result of other information that comes to the league office. … I’d say that in most sports where there are issues, even when players do not test positive, usually there is some chatter that there is something going on. Other than what George Karl wrote in his book, there is no chatter whatsoever in the league.”

Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NBA:

The Cavaliers are sending $750K in cash to the Hawks as part of the Kyle Korver trade, tweets Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders. As our Salary Cap Snapshot for the Cavs shows, the team has now sent out cash in three separate trades during the 2016/17 league year. Cleveland is eligible to send out another $750K.
The full details of the two-way NBA/D-League contracts introduced by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement aren’t yet known. However, Adam Johnson of D-League Digest (Twitter link) hears from a source that those two-way deals are expected to worth up to approximately $275K in 2017/18.
The National Basketball Referees Association is “aggressively asserting” that the NBA is turning a blind eye on misconduct by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. According to the referees’ union, the league has cowed to Cuban, allowing him to pursue a competitive advantage for his club “via threats and intimidation” and to wield “inappropriate influence” over referee employment decisions. Wojnarowski passes along several comments from the NBRA and from Cuban himself, and also provides several memos and other correspondence between the league and its referees’ union.

And-Ones: Jackson, Griffin, Bogut

December 28th, 2016 at 10:45pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Phil Jackson announced via Twitter that he and Lakers team president Jeanie Buss have decided to end their engagement, explaining how the distance between the two has made sustaining a relationship a difficult feat. Jackson is under contract with the Knicks for two more seasons after this one, but his contract contains a mutual option that would allow either side to opt out this upcoming summer. Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post speculates that the decision to part ways with Buss could mean that Jackson is planning on staying on as New York’s team president. The Zen Master will make $12MM if he returns to the Knicks next season.

Here’s more from around the league:

When Jackson took the Knicks‘ job, the league made Jackson and Buss sign documents to ensure there would be no conflicts of interest between the two clubs, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com reports. Sources tell Shelburne that the documents included a provision that the duo inform the NBA and its owner should they ever decided to marry.
Jackson had long been rumored to be a candidate for a role in the Lakers’ front office should Buss decide to make changes, though with the news of their break-up, it appears that door has closed, Bill Oram of the Los Angeles Daily News writes. Oram speculates that Jerry West return to the organization in some capacity should the team make organizational changes.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer details how the Clippers are finding success without Blake Griffin in the lineup and the scribe wonders if the team should trade the oft-injured power forward. O’Connor notes that Griffin’s contract, which expires after this season, could dissuade rival teams from giving up valuable assets for the him, as he could simply walk in free agency.
Despite owner Mark Cuban‘s declaration that the team isn’t interested in tanking, the Mavericks would be wise to trade Andrew Bogut with the future in mind, O’Connor argues in the same piece. O’Connor lists several teams, including the Blazers and the Celtics, that could use the big man’s defense.

And-Ones: Kenyon Martin, Will Bynum, 2017 NBA Draft

December 24th, 2016 at 2:59pm CST by Austin Kent

There have been plenty of headlines about George Karl‘s pending book release, but lost in the Carmelo Anthony barbs that have been heavily discussed in the media of late is the seemingly reignited feud between the ex-Nuggets head coach and his former power forward Kenyon Martin.

Marc Spears of The Undefeated explored the intricacies of the hostile relationship between Karl and Martin.

Will Bynum has signed a D-League contract with the Windy City Bulls, the 33-year-old last suited it up in the NBA for the Wizards back in April 2015. In 2006, prior to his six-year stint with the Pistons, Bynum won the D-League Rookie of the Year Award.
Justin Dentmon has signed a contract with the Shandong Bulls. The 31-year-old point guard has served brief stints with the Spurs, Raptors and Mavericks.
Dallas Morning News beat writer Eddie Sefko explores the various ways the Mavericks could go about acquiring a superstar – and just how badly Mark Cuban wants to get one.
There could be as many as 10-15 All-Stars in this summer’s draft class, writes Chad Ford for ESPN Insider (subscription required). The group is headlined by Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball.

Mavericks Notes: Curry, Nowitzki, Bogut, Cuban

December 10th, 2016 at 11:06pm CST by Arthur Hill

Injuries to Dirk Nowitzki and Andrew Bogut have depleted the Mavericks’ front line, but at least their backcourt is getting healthy, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Seth Curry returned to the lineup and played 25 minutes Friday night. Deron Williams no longer has a minutes restriction, while Devin Harris is playing, although he is still limited to 20 minutes per game. “I was a little careful with [Curry] with the minutes in his first game back,” said coach Rick Carlisle. “I thought considering he’d been out nine days, he did fine. Having that extra guy at the guard position really alleviates a minutes crunch. And it helps Devin’s situation, too.”

There’s more news out of Dallas:

Mavericks Notes: Acy, Gibson, Nowitzki, Barnes

November 20th, 2016 at 10:21am CST by Arthur Hill

The Mavericks’ release of Quincy Acy may not be permanent, according to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Dallas waived the well-traveled forward on Friday after injuries left the team with a depleted backcourt. A roster spot was needed to bring back guard Jonathan Gibson, and Acy, who had appeared in just six games and was averaging 8.0 minutes per night, was let go. “We tried to get a medical exception, but we didn’t have enough guys injured,” said owner Mark Cuban. “He [Acy] is the best. I told him I’ve paid guys twice and three times in a season before, so be ready. I was heartbroken. We needed point guards. It was just a numbers game.”

There’s more this morning out of Dallas:

Gibson’s 26-point performance Saturday night was the most by an undrafted player in his first or second NBA game in 24 years, posts Tim MacMahon on ESPN Now. Gibson, 29, had been playing overseas since being going undrafted in 2010.
Cuban believesHarrison Barnes is poised to take over as the face of the franchise once Dirk Nowitzki retires, writes Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders. Nowitzki, 38, has been limited by Achilles soreness and has gotten into just three games this season. He signed a new deal over the summer paying him $50MM for two years. Barnes, who received more than $94MM over four seasons, has become the team’s leading scorer in his absence. “That happens to every franchise,” Cuban said. “Father Time is undefeated and we’ll have to deal with it. I think Harrison [Barnes] is showing a lot of signs that he can be that person. Not to try to put too much pressure on him, but it’s a job he wants and he’s willing to work for it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to add other pieces that are on the same plain.”
The team has no plans to shut down Nowitzki for an extended period because of the injury, Sefko writes in a separate piece. “We’re just playing it safe with Dirk,” Cuban said. “With so many guys out, there’s no reason to rush him back. The old, ‘If this was a playoff game, he’d be playing.’ But when you’re missing three of your other top six or seven, that puts too much pressure on him.”
With the Mavericks looking like a lottery team after a league-worst 2-10 start, Adam Grosbard of The Dallas Morning News examines some of the players expected to go early in the 2017 draft.

Chandler Parsons Had Expected To Retire A Mav

November 18th, 2016 at 11:00am CST by Luke Adams

With the Grizzlies set to face the Mavericks tonight, Chandler Parsons will be playing in Dallas for the first time as a member of his new team, assuming his troublesome left knee doesn’t act up. With that game just hours away, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revisited Parsons’ departure from the Mavs this offseason, providing some interesting details and suggesting that the veteran forward was somewhat caught off guard by the divorce.

“Throughout the whole process going into free agency, I always thought Dallas was going to be the place,” Parsons said. “I thought [Mark Cuban and I] had a mutual understanding that I was going to be there for the whole time and I was going to retire a Mav. Obviously, the second surgery gave him a little doubt, and I believe some people got in his head about it.”

Parsons tells MacMahon that he would have been willing to accept “a lot less” than a maximum-salary contract to remain in Dallas, where he was comfortable, despite his agent’s assurances that he’d receive max offers on the open market. In addition to the Grizzlies, the Trail Blazers appeared willing to offer Parsons a max deal.

While the Mavs were reportedly never interested in offering Parsons the max, the 28-year-old says Cuban assured him the club was having productive talks with agent Dan Fegan, and that the Mavs owner was confident the two sides could work out a four-term deal. Asked by ESPN about those comments, Cuban shook his head, evidently disagreeing with Parsons’ account, writes MacMahon.

According to MacMahon, the Mavs’ brain trust – including president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, head coach Rick Carlisle, head athletic trainer Casey Smith, and Dirk Nowitzki – “shared a consensus concern” about a long-term contract for Parsons, given his knee problems. Uncertain about a long-term commitment, Cuban and the Mavs encouraged Parsons to pick up his player option, which would have paid him about $16MM for one last season in Dallas, putting him in line for a lucrative multiyear deal in 2017 if he could stay healthy. Parsons considered the suggestion “pretty ludicrous,” per MacMahon.

“Obviously that sounds nice, but why risk it? My concern is the same as them. You’re worried about paying my knee,” Parsons said. “You don’t want to pay me long term. These other really, really good teams do. If it’s too much of a risk for them to pay me for four years, it’s way too much of a risk for me to turn down guaranteed $94MM right now. It would make no sense, and no fan, no human, no one in the right mind would not do what I did.”

For more on the Mavs/Parsons split, Parsons’ role in the DeAndre Jordan saga in 2015, and his decision to sign with the Grizzlies, be sure to check out MacMahon’s full piece, which is chock full of interesting tidbits.

Southwest Notes: Stephenson, Diallo, Grizzlies

November 8th, 2016 at 6:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Pelicans have gotten some negative feedback from around the league for their decision to waive Lance Stephenson, writes Scott Kushner of The Advocate. Stephenson was let go after suffering a serious groin injury on Saturday that is expected to sideline him for several weeks. With New Orleans already missing Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans and Quincy Pondexter, the team needed to open a roster spot to sign Archie Goodwin. With only $100K of his contract guaranteed, Stephenson was an obvious candidate.

The Pelicans are obligated to pay Stephenson his full salary while he is injured and have pledged to help with his recovery, but they haven’t escaped criticism for the way they handled the situation. “Remember this is a business,” Kings forward Matt Barnes posted on Instagram. “When you can no longer serve your purpose, these teams cut you, trade you or bury you on the bench. Case in point, Lance gets hurt playing and needs surgery now, so instead of supporting him and helping him get healthy, they cut him.”

There’s more from the Southwest Division:

The Pelicans plan to send rookie power forward Cheick Diallo to the D-League this week for more playing time, tweets Jennifer Hale of WVUE Fox 8 in New Orleans. Diallo has appeared in just one game so far, getting six minutes of action.
Grizzlies coach David Fizdale is still deciding whether to give more minutes to Andrew Harrison or Wade Baldwin, tweets Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal. Harrison has been getting more playing time lately and has started two games with Tony Allen nursing a knee injury. “Wade had been struggling and I’ve got two young point guards,” Fizdale said. “Neither one has solidified that spot.”
The Mavericks are off to a slow start, but owner Mark Cuban has too much at stake financially to give up on this season, contends Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News. The Mavericks draw about 20,000 fans for each home game, which Gosselin believes will only keep happening if they stay in the playoff race. Dallas picked up its first win Sunday after starting the season with five straight losses.

Southeast Notes: Jack, Magic, Cuban, Whiteside

July 30th, 2016 at 4:22pm CST by Arthur Hill

Veteran point guard Jarrett Jack is looking forward to a “new start” in Atlanta after a torn ACL cost him most of last season, writes Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com. Jack, who played in just 32 games for the Nets before suffering the injury in January, signed with the Hawks two weeks ago. Jack lives in Atlanta and played at Georgia Tech, so he said the city was an obvious destination. “I was flattered that they called and wanted to take a chance on me, knowing that I’m coming off knee surgery,” he said, “but I’m willing to prove to everybody that I’m more than capable of withstanding the physical challenges of the season and just contributing to the team.” Jack continues to rehab the knee and said he plans to be fully ready by the start of the season. He is about a month away from being cleared for full five-on-five basketball.

There’s more news from the Southeast Division:

Developing chemistry is the next challenge in Orlando after this summer’s huge turnover, writes Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel. The changes started with the hiring of coach Frank Vogel and continued through a revamped roster that has just six players back from the end of last season. The most notable additions for the Magic were Serge Ibaka, who was acquired in a draft night trade, and Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green, who signed as free agents. “To me, chemistry and togetherness is something you earn, something you achieve and something you work towards by creating this culture where people like to come to work and people are playing for each other,” Vogel said. “You talk about selflessness and a team-first mentality. Whether we’ve been together for five years or are brand new to each other, every year you’ve got to work to achieve chemistry.”
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who lost DeAndre Jordan to a change of heart in free agency last summer, said he never tried to persuade Heat center Hassan Whiteside to reconsider before this year’s moratorium was lifted, relays Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel. Whiteside was Dallas’ top target in free agency, but he decided rather quickly to stay in Miami. “Never crossed our mind,” Cuban said in an interview with Dallas radio station 105.3-FM. “… We were happy with the direction we were going in and we had made our pitch to Hassan, but we didn’t really think he was going to leave and we didn’t go back to him and even bring it up.”
Offseason signings have left the Heat with 11 players who are ineligible to be traded before December 15th, Winderman notes in the same piece. In addition to Whiteside, they are Wayne Ellington, Udonis Haslem, Stefan Jankovic, James Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Rodney McGruder, Willie Reed, Dion Waiters, Okaro White and Derrick Williams.