to lock up guys, even under control, for a number of years, especially if you can get a decent rate for the arbitration years or the first few FA eligible seasons.

I agree, but it’s not just anybody we need. It’s specifically a SG. Obviously if we trade Howard then we have another hole at 3, but the fact that we can’t make opposing 2s pay ever, combined with the fact that don’t have enough size at the position if you mashed Stack, Terry and Jones into a large doughball of mediocre shit, means that we desperately need a real 2.

I’d settle for a Josh Childress type, but he’s certainly not the 2nd option you need, so you’d still have to add that elsewhere.

Other guys I’d like:

Ronnie Brewer
Rip Hamilton
Marco Belinelli
Thabo Sefolosha
Kareem Rush
John Salmons
Francisco Garcia

Some are more likely than others, of course.

Carlisle never said one thing to make anyone think that Josh was going to be traded. He talked at length about him being part of the core, about how hard he’s going to work with Josh, what level he wants him to be at, etc. etc.

I’m not saying Josh won’t be traded this offseason, it’s certainly possible. But you are completely misrepresenting what Carlisle has said in multiple interviews and his press conference.

I have noticed this pattern, as well …

the Mavs have an MVP, the best PG of this century (declining though he may be), and other than the past month of the season an All Star SF that can play both ways very effectively. they have one of the best 6th men in the league (Jason Terry) who shouldn’t have to start, a very effective starting center (please don’t tell me you miss Shawn Bradley and Calvin Booth), and a very good rising, explosive backup in Brandon Bass and two very decent backups in Malik Allen and Antoine Wright (who might be close to taking the next step towards consistent minutes). Surround that with the right pieces – a starting SG with size, athleticism and a good outside shot, a backup center that can get the job done (Diop), and a few more defensive wizards that can score if necessary (Seibutis, Reshawn Terry). Basically, they’re two players away from being a favorite again in the West, and only one of those players will be somewhat difficult to acquire.

The Rangers meanwhile are riding a hot streak and taking some advantage of recent slides by the california teams. but don’t think for a second that this patchwork pitching staff is going to hold together throughout the season. we have to rely on Millwood and McCarthy to come back healthy and stay healthy, Padilla to keep his head, Gabbard to stay off the DL, and either Ponson or Feldman to keep up the good work or Hurley, AJ Murray or Mendoza (yuck) to catch fire if called upon. I think THAT is a lot to ask in and of itself. THen there’s the offense – can Milton Bradley and Josh Hamilton stay healthy? What’s the story with Laird/Saltalamacchia? What about Hank, can he stay healthy, and is he going to move to 1st for good now, opening the door for Duran/Vazquez to lock down 3rd? If so, Duran’s got to step up a bit at the plate. What about Boggs – can he keep hitting at the major league level?

Please tell me after reading all of that you agree that you are a little off on your proclomation…while the Rangers have a lot more promise on the farm club, that’s unproven promise, and it’s going to take some time to adjust. Dallas may not have much in future picks, but if they can’t get it done this next year in the playoffs, they get Kidd’s 20 million off the books, plus Finley and Bradley will be fresh off as well, and we can trade Stack’s contract to free up space. Maybe even Terry’s. Maybe even Howard’s. So basically, at the end of the day, we’ve freed up a TON of cap space, and who wouldn’t want to sign with the Mavs for high dollars to play for a Cuban-owned team (takes care of his players) and alongside an MVP in Dirk?

that misrepresent what you’re linking