When the Lamar Odom trade was announced soon after the Chris Paul mega deal, a note was made that the 2012 first round pick of the Mavericks would be sent to the Los Angeles Lakers as compensation. Even with the pick being protected if it landed in the top 20 of the draft, almost every critic dismissed the possibility of the defending champions not having one of the premier records in their conference, if not the league. A few months later, and now looking hapless after being swept by the Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks will defer the first round pick to next year. However, Donnie Nelson has to prepare the war room for the future Maverick (or $3 million for the pick), and throw Fab Melo to be that future Maverick; he's a possible diamond in the rough that the Mavs can't refuse.

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With less than one month before the NBA Trade deadline for this shortened season, teams will make cost-cutting moves, financial gambles, and desperate "save-the-team" trades. The Dallas Mavericks, on the other had, made their deals rather early, with the sign and trade of Tyson Chandler to New York to again a Traded Player Exemption (TPE), which was then used to pry Lamar Odom away from the Lakers. Now, Donnie Nelson set his sights onto the 2012 NBA Free Agency. Many sports analysts claim that the 2012 NBA Free Agent signing would be akin to the 2012 NBA Free Agent bonanza, and people like Marc Stein of ESPN.com chimed in that that Dallas Mavericks are in the lead to obtain Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, or even both. With the non expiring salary of Dirk & Co., is it even possible for the Dallas Mavericks to even get one of these stars? See the number crunching after the jump.

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Rick Carlisle decided that preseason games are not important enough for Dirk Nowitzki or Jason Kidd to play in. Instead, newcomers Delonte West, Vince Carter, and Lamar Odom were inserted into the starting five, along with the new (but not improved) blond Shawn, and Brenden Haywood. Unfortunately, Brandan Wright was out with the stomach flu, so he did not play. Other players that received significant playing time include third-year Rodrigue Beaubois, sophmore Dominique Jones, and camp invitee Jerome Randle. Each player used their own techniques to build momentum, but it wasn't enough to stop the Oklahoma City Thunder from winning.

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Money talks in almost every aspect of society. Money definitely played a role in how the collective bargaining agreement for the National Basketball Association played out; the players of the NBA Players Union wanted the majority of the  basketball revenue income split to stay the same at 57%, while the owners wanted the majority of the basketball revenue income to go to them at  52%. Eventually, the lockout ended with the owners settling for the players receiving up to 51.5% of the basketball revenue income in any season. Many new rules and regulations have gone into place, while a few smaller regulations have not been settled yet at the time of this article being written. The Dallas Mavericks used every advantage they could on the last collective bargaining agreement: buying draft picks, sign and trades, the mid-level exception, the bi-annual exception, and paying top dollar to the luxury tax for going over the tax bracket. Now, the Mavericks may have to change their strategies for their financial, and winning, ways.

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With the newly issued decree of David Stern, NBA basketball will have the first two weeks of the regular season if there is no agreement reached by both the owners and players. However, a critical part of the NBA doesn't have a voice: the fans, aficionados, etc. The fans are who, for the most part, provide the plurality of the money going into contracts, arenas via taxpaying measurements and so on. I am not suggesting forming a fan union or boycott, but maybe petitioning for a survey to see what fans desire from the NBA be fair. For the time being, posting here on Mavs Moneyball will be the best alternative. Here are some of my suggestions for what the CBA should contain:

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While the NBA lockout still persists, the contracts keep on rolling, at least that is the current news. Whether the NBA Players Association and the NBA agree to extend missing time is something I do not know of, and it may happen. But until that news hits, the contracts will burn up. With the 9 players remaining, we have about $60 million in guaranteed money that we owe for 2011-12.

Since we have to sign 13 players, we assume they're for one year deals. But since there is no 2011-12 season, the money won't count towards, anything, or even allow Dallas to sign players due to the organization having a high salary compared with most teams. However, in 2012, the team may get retooled for runs, or become the division cellar if they go all in with a sack of garbage as their prize.

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This is for those Mavs fans that want to post about which players the Mavs will/can draft as well as the rest of the NBA. The Mavs no longer owe any draft picks from here on out. In this draft, the Mavericks have both the 26th and 56th picks overall. There  is no definite indication if the Mavs will use the pick to 'stash' a player away in Europe to develop, get an American to sign, or trade the pick.

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For all of us Mavs fans or parade fans who can not be there live, here is the thread to chat about the Mavs. If you need a stream source, go to dallasnews.com since they have a live stream. All Mavs fans need to see this, it is one of the greatest achievements they have ever accomplished. I am not sure how long the parade will be, but it should last for a couple of hours. Go Mavs!

The Dallas Mavericks have the fifth best record in the 2010-2011 NBA season, behind the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. This nets the team the 26th pick overall within the draft. The team also possesses the 54th pick in this draft. The Dallas Mavericks no longer owe any draft picks in this draft or in the future. However, the Dallas Mavericks will receive Minnesota's 2012 2nd round pick (top-55 protected) for the Nathan Jawai trade on October 20, 2009.  The team also holds the rights of various players that currently are working their trade in international leagues, the most notable player is Nick Calathes. In 2010-2011, Calathes has played in 27 games with 19.4 minutes per game on average. He scored 7.5 PPG, had 3.2 RPG, and gained 3 APG in those 19.4 minutes. Due to Nick having 1 more year on his Greek deal, it is unlikely he comes stateside, due to Panathinaikos, the Greek team that hires Calathes, pays him 2.4 million euros. There are some holes in the bench of the Dallas Mavericks, most notably at PF, and this draft may either fill up the holes or be a quick band aid to the team's age.

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Hey, long time lurker on the site. I don't comment often, but I need your help fellow fans. I am getting a new jersey from my brother, and need some advice.

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With the Arron Afflalo dagger, the Mavs fell from their lead at the buzzer to lose the game. A significant factor to this loss can be contributed to Dirk's missed free throw with less than a minute to play. No defensive presence by Dallas, as well as Denver, albeit not as bad as Dallas, can also be cited as a loss. These are the losses that are biting the Mavericks in their behind, and the team needs to find a way to close games out so that they will be able to survive in the playoffs, if they make it there.

Dallas is now 1-1 at Denver, but 1-2 vs them in the season series. This is also the first time Dallas violates Lawler's Law, which states the first team to 100 wins (Current rate of this being correct is at 94%).  Dallas had a horrendous 1st quarter, finding themselves down by 13, but by the 2nd quarter, they were only down by 1. At the end of the 3rd quarter, they lead by 4, but that lead was lost and it ended as it was by halftime: losing by 1.

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With December 15, or the day free agents who signed contracts can be traded (exception for those who haven't had a 90-day clearance) the trade doors were opened fairly quickly. The Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers commited the first trade of December: with Terrence Williams heading to the Rockets, Joe Smith to the Lakers, and Sasha Vujacic to the Nets. The Lakers sent a 2011 1st round pick (1-18 protection) and the Rockets sent a 2012 1st round pick(lottery protected for five years, then free of protections). The other main trade of December involved Vince Carter, Micheal Pietrus, and Marcin Gortat to the Phoenix Suns, and Earl Clark, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu going to the Magic. The Magic also swapped the horrendous contract of Rashard Lewis for the equally horrendus contract of Gilbert Arenas.

Rumors being discussed at this moment involve our beloved  Dallas Mavericks, with Brendan Haywood + expiring going to the Rockets for Kevin Martin. Another rumor is trading Caron Butler, other expiring contracts, and possibly picks for Carmelo Anthony. And who can forget Mavs Moneyball favorite Matt Caroll, along with Mavs Moneyball hated DeSanga Diop and D.J Augustin heading off to the Los Angeles Clippers for Baron Davis+ Willie Warren.

As the trade analysis author (I hope) of Mavs Moneyball, I will discuss these trades and rumors, and how can they affect the Mavs.

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As a fan of the Mavs, I often have to watch them on television or the internet, since I live in Los Angeles. Now, when the Mavericks come to town, whether the Clipper or Laker games, I have to let go of the blogs, and online scores for the day, buy overpriced food, and watch my Mavs win or lose.

Now, with my smartphone, it is possible to keep talking with the Mavs Moneyball community. If you told me 5 years ago, or even 3 years ago, that I will be able to talk to my fellow bloggers via phone live, I would of thought you were crazy. Now, the tech companies keep on releasing better and better phones, and this lets the sports fan keep up with his community, whether it be at the game, at work, or when the computer crashes.

Fans at the game may wonder why you seem so attentive to your phone as much as your team. This is like another family, you say, and with these phones nowadays, I am not going to miss taking part of it.

Memphis 91. Mavericks 90, a loss that shouldn't have been. After the disappointing loss, mainly due to Jason Terry, the Mavs travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers in a mini road trip. While the 1-1 record of the Mavs has Mavs fans disappointed, the Clippers are in far worse condition. Roddy Beaubois and Alexis Ajinca are on the inactive list for the Mavs, as well as a DAL bench warmer. The Clippers have Craig Smith and Willie Warren out with injuries.

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Ok, I am not going to go as a Clipper fan per se, I am going to watch th Mavs on Oct.31 since I am a fan of them. However, as the title states, I have never been to any game at the Staples Center. Since most of the members of Clips Nation has been to the Staples Center, I need some help with these questions.

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Matt Carroll, a man who figured out how to get a 6 year contract. However, the Bobcats needed a defensive presence at the 5, so they decided to acquire Diop from the Mavs for Matt Carroll and Ryan Hollins. When Matt Carroll came over in the Diop trade, I figured he could help the team. The reports coming out at the time all indicated he was a sharpshooter.

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With the free agency period at near completion, the teams may have stacked up or lost their players. The finalisation of the rosters of Southwestern teams is the topic I will discuss. I will include the trades during and after the draft, and all players after the draft signed. I will avoid low minimum salary players like Oliver Layfette for the Celtics, as well as draft picks (since they have not produced any NBA talent to assess). Shamsports provides the best contract info which is used for this post. We will discuss the void of the backup PF spot as well. Lets begin, shall we?

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With the free agency period at near completion, the teams may have stacked up or lost their players. The finalisation of the rosters of Southwestern teams is the topic I will discuss. I will include the trades during and after the draft, and all players after the draft signed. I will avoid low minimum salary players like Oliver Layfette for the Celtics, as well as draft picks (since they have not produced any NBA talent to assess). Shamsports provides the best contract info which is used for this post. Lets Begin, shall we?

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With the Mavs roster mostly set, us Mavs fans must analyze the position our Mavs are in, in terms of contracts as well as position in the Western Conference. After the jump, we will see the future certain players have on the Mavs, and upgrades that are needed.

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Many Mavs fans, disappointed by the first-round loss to San Antonio, have to look at 2010 as the year to really reload. No more Buck Shots, Stack of Chips, the real Chip is out to use: the DUST (Dampier ultimate sign and trade). Many prospects are being savored by the Mavs (including Wade), I propose that this chip be used in a different manner. Before I describe the manner, we need to look at the contracts (and age) of the Mavs to see that reloading with vets may need to stop. All of the following salary info provided by Shamsports.

Jason Kidd: Great assister, most likely the best in the decade. Kidd holds second overall assists for the NBA, and I see his jersey retired if he helps the Mavs win a title. His production may decrease, however, so a new, pass-first PG is needed(not Roddy B or Barea). Doubt he would be moved in the next  year, may be used as a EC (Expiring Contract) on his last year if he isn't productive (Sorry LJ!). Has 2 more years @ 8.5 million.

Jason Terry: a shooter on the wrong side of thirty,is proving that age can catch up to some Mavs players. He should be a good mentor to Roddy B, teaching him how to finish slashing at the hoop and making 3's with uncanny accuracy. His contract is becoming more toxic, however: with $9.873 Million due to him next year and $10.658 Million in 2011-12.

Shawn Marion:  With the Toronto trade this summer, he now has a $35 Million contract for 5 years. While this trade may have looked great in the summer, it really is looking like a bad mistake on the Mavs part, seeing that Marion is on the books until 2013-14 @ the cost of $9 million.

Eduardo Najera: The man the Mavs got in exchange for Kris Humphries and Shawne Williams, is useful as a defensive presence . Man can dunk if alone as well. Trade is actually pretty good for the Mavs, since his contract is similar to Damp's but with a little money guarenteed ($500K for last 2 years). Could be useful when Damp is bundled.

Matt Carroll: This team's victory cigar, usually sits on the bench waving towels or passing Gatorade. Often doesn't play, but with the Mavs needing 12 players to suit up, MC13 got that last spot. MC has 3 years left @ 11.7 Million.

Juan Jose Barea: The unwanted short dude somehow having a career. Has a cheap contract, but unrealiable at times. If the Mavs don't bring Nick Calathes (which I hope the Mavs do) Barea is staying another year.

Dirk Nowitzki: A man surely disappointed how the playoffs went, has a ETO (early termination option) for next year. Dirk is the heart and soul to the Mavs team, and if Dirk does need, the DUST chip turns to a chance for a sidekick for Dirk to a necessity to stay alive in the WC.

Rodrigue Beaubois: the first good Mavs pick since Josh Howard (03). Has huge potential, needs to learn from Terry the art of shooting and D from J Kidd. If he is able to imitate those factors, he will shine for the Mavs in a few years. On rookie scalr contract, not a burden at all.

New Guys from WAS: Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and Deshawn Stevenson.

Butler: a good, not great, option the Mavs got at SG. Was able to become a scoring help, but is just a better version of Barea: not producing results constantly,and being a defensive liability at D. Has a contract with 1 year and $10.561 Million, culd be traded for picks and a trade exception if the Mavs feel confident about putting Marion as the SG (HELL NO!).

Haywood: a real center the Mavs coveted, deserves to be playing starter minutes (30+). Needs to be resigned, but not to a Marion-esque contract, which can become a toxic asset in the future.

Stevenson: the reason we got Haywood (salary dump). Is just a EC to have around. If he improves his shot or D, he may earn a min. contract  after 2010-11.

2010 offseason: what I hope the Mavs do: get young. How you ask? By targeting teams who want more cap space (MIA, MIN) this summer. These teams can help the Mavs with age while the Mavs give them more cap relief. I know 99% of Mavs fans want to see the DUST chip used on a old superstar, but what happens if he isn't sucessful with the Mavs, like Marion? A younger team, however can be used to gain talent cheaply and give the Mavs a quick retool on the fly without watching painful blowouts. Picks could also be aquired, since the Mavs only have a second round pick (via OKC In the Roddy B trade) @ #50. The second rounder, i hope should be used on Da'sean Butler, the WVU senoir who lost his ACL. ACL's aren't needed by players (Blair is an example). Butler could spend the 2010 season recovering, playing in the Euro league for a year, and then be signed. He was slated for a first round pick, and could be a steal if a team is willing to wait and if Butler recovers. Who knows what us Mavs fans will see: but this will be one of the most exciting FA's to occur in the NBA.

With the Mavericks losing to the Timberwolves, the worst road team of the Western Conf., the question of rebuilding comes up. After the jump, we will discect each contract the Mavs currently have. (Note: I use Shamsports to discuss each contract. If the info is wrong, please comment). I would also propose a few trades with certain players. trades will also be seen seperatly, not in combination. If one trade happens, the others do not.

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