RealGM

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:15 pm**

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!

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:27 pm**

How 'bout Kidd, picture man?

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:47 pm**

I'd S&T Kidd for Kobe in 2009/2010...

assumption is that you either have to S&T Kidd for S&T Kobe
or trade Howard and Damp/Stack/JET (pick one LAL) for S&T Kobe

or you renounce Kidd's rights and assuming you are under the cap in 09/10 just sign Kobe outright

at minimum you're giving up Kidd or Howard for Kobe

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:22 pm**

Why would Kobe want to leave LA now that he has a good team? He's 29 years old, Gasol is 27, Bynum is 20. They are going to be contenders for a while.

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:33 pm**

Dirk > Gasol

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:43 pm**

jwa1107 wrote:Dirk > Gasol

Bynum and Gasol?

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:58 pm**

I could be wrong, but cant Kobe opt out after this season? But I highly doubt he will ever leave L.A. regardless.

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:48 pm**

^^^ not this season; after 2008/2009

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:32 pm**

Wow, this writer must be a frustrated Mavs fan.

Posted: **Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:51 pm**

Kobe's not leaving LA any time soon, nor should he.

Posted: **Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:27 am**

@ this thread

Posted: **Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:41 am**

Ain't happening. Passed the crap pipe back to YDM!

Posted: **Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:07 am**

i dont see it happening to be honest, kobe has been in the league what 10 yrs, and now has another chance at getting some rings with gasol and bynum...in conclusion not happening

Posted: **Thu Mar 20, 2008 4:03 am**

why go after kobe when we can go after lebron in 2010? or 2011? its the season where dirk, dampier, josh and kidd (with extension) all become free agents.... with all of them off the books, im sure cuban could pitch a very good offer for lebron if he decides to leave cleveland... we could even re-sign his good buddy jason kidd to a smaller contract to play with him.... if that happens, im gonna worship cuban....

Posted: **Thu Mar 20, 2008 4:16 am**

CITYOFANGELSX3 wrote::lol: @ this thread

Posted: **Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:00 am**

RealGM

Kobe to DAL in 2009

Kobe to DAL in 2009