Archives for August 15, 2003

Mavs and Warriors Swap 8 Players

Posted on 8/15/2003 to Sports

Ever since the Mavericks season ended in heartbreaking fashion to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, I've been counting the days to the start of next season. Along the way, I've also been counting the major off-season milestones, such as the date when teams can start talking to free agents, as well as the date teams can start signing free agents. To my dismay, the Mavericks didn't land any of their targets, and it looked like they would go into next season with essentially the same squad that finished last season.

How quickly things can change...

It seems that the Mavs and Warriors agreed to an 8 player deal tonight, pending league approval. The main players in the trade are Nick Van Exel from Dallas for the Warriors' Antawn Jamison. Also being sent from Dallas in the deal are Avery Johnson, Popeye Jones, and Evan Eschmeyer, in exchange for Danny Fortson, Chris Mills, and Jiri Welsch.

I had hoped that Dallas would be able to do a deal without losing Van Exel, and so I was a little disappointed when I heard the news. However, I actually like this trade (though I have reservations about Jamison's contract - 6 years and $69 million remaining on his contract), especially if Fortson can return to form after some injury problems over the last couple of years.

Time will tell.