The Mavericks' business model became clear Thursday afternoon as they resisted all temptations for quick-fix help before the NBA trade deadline and kept their eyes firmly set on the summer of 2010.
It doesn't hurt that their current situation is on the upswing. The Mavericks did lots of talking but no deals as the deadline passed, and by standing pat, they kept their flexibility to be major players in next summer's free-agent frenzy.
"In our position, we're always protecting the franchise, whether it's long term or short term," president of Basketball operations Donnie Nelson said.
DMN
7 p.m. today (Ch 21, ESPN)
