Kobe could be a Mav in 2009
10:45 AM Wed, Mar 19, 2008
Tim MacMahon
Kobe was quoted in the LA Times yesterday saying that Mark Cuban hoped he opted out of his contract after next season. It was a light-hearted line that was funny because there's probably a lot of truth to it.
You can bet that the thought has crossed Cuban's mind more than a few times.
Cuban justified the trade for Jason Kidd, in part, by pointing to the length of his contract. Kidd's max deal is up after next season, meaning the Mavs will be in position to make a major move if this group can't accomplish its goal. Cuban referred to this as "visibility," something he wouldn't have had if he signed Steve Nash to a six-year deal before Dirk's buddy bolted for the Suns.
Kobe has expressed interest in playing with Dirk in Dallas. He named the Mavs as one of his preferred destinations when he was mad at the Lakers. And, after the Lakers got off to a good start, he said that staying in LA this season was the best scenario ... "Unless they want to send me here to Dallas with Dirk." Another light-hearted line that's funny because there's some truth to it.
Is it likely that Kobe will come to Dallas after opting out of his deal? No, but it's a possibility. An unlikely possibility.
Almost as unlikely as the Mavs making a blockbuster trade to bring Kidd here.
anyone but Dirk for Kobe S&T
make it happen!
@ this thread
