This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things X

From ESPN's Marc Stein, on February 15, 2008:

The fallback scenario is Dallas agreeing to sign-and-trade Keith Van Horn in [Devean] George's place, capitalizing on the fact that the Mavericks still hold Van Horn's rights and the fact that Van Horn has not submitted official retirement papers to the league office since he last played in 2005-06.

Players who are signed-and-traded are required to receive a three-year contract, but only the first year must be guaranteed. Dallas could thus create an expiring-contract effect with Van Horn to match George's expiring contract, which is the main reason New Jersey is so adamant about having George in the deal.

Cuban has also been adamant about his refusal to play the Van Horn chip, as that would only add to the growing luxury-tax bill that this trade would inflict. "We won't use [Van Horn] in any deal for anyone," Cuban told ESPN.com last week.

The trade including Van Horn was completed three days later. Including Van Horn , who had been retired for two years and would not play one second for New Jersey, cost the Mavericks an addition $11 million.