Lewis says choice is between Sonics, Mavs

Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Dallas Mavericks are currently one of two teams vying for the services of free agent swingman Rashard Lewis. After receiving a whirlwind tour of the Dallas area and recruiting pitches from Michael Finley and Steve Nash, Rashard Lewis was impressed. While he didn’t promise anything, he definitely likes the Mavericks.

It's probably going to be between Seattle and Dallas," Lewis said. "The Mavericks have a real chance just because of the way they treated me and my family. Everything was first class."

Lewis is discontent with the offers coming from the Supersonics and is looking for other options. Mavs owner Mark Cuban believes Lewis is sincere when he says he’s interested in Dallas. He doesn’t think of this as a negotiation ploy to raise Seattle’s offer.

"I don't think Rashard's that type of guy," Cuban said. "I know he's very serious. This is his chance to play close to home and be near his family [in Houston]. Seattle had every chance to do something before he got here."

Cuban also acknowledges that his team is a long shot to sign Lewis. It’s unrealistic to expect a guy to accept a 3-year, $15 million contract if Seattle is offering $60 or $70 million. Especially considering Lewis turned down a six-year offer in the $50 million range from Toronto in the summer of 2000 to stay in Seattle on the promise of future riches.

"[History] is going to make it harder to do that again, but I think I'm going to do what's best for me and go where I feel most comfortable," Lewis said. "There are only three elite teams in the league – Dallas, Sacramento and the Lakers. I think I'm the missing piece to their [Dallas'] puzzle."

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Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder

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Mavericks make full-court sales pitch to Lewis

Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Mavericks pulled out all the stops in entertaining Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis. The free-agent forward was greeted by a couple hundred well-wishers at the airport, shown to his would-be locker at American Airlines Center housing a LEWIS No. 43 jersey and treated to the sound of faux play-by-play from Mavericks radio voice Mark Followill while he signed for a pack of yelping kids.

"I'm very impressed," Lewis said. "I'm still impressed."

The Mavericks are ultimately looking for a signed offer sheet from Lewis. They are offering their entire mid-class exception, totaling $15 million, for 3-years, but they know that they are a long shot in the Lewis sweepstakes.

The Sonics have the ability to pay much more than any other team and have reportedly offered more than $60 million over 7-years. Houston can offer the same amount ad Dallas, but has the advantage of being Lewis’ hometown.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban said that he wasn’t going to pressure Lewis into a decision. "I'm not even going to try" to get a read on Lewis' intentions.” Cuban said that the “full-court courtship” was merely a meeting to answer Lewis’ questions.

Cuban, though, might have scored one victory already. Asked if leaving Seattle came down to a choice between the Mavericks and his hometown Rockets, Lewis gave the advantage to the former. "I think Dallas has a better organization than Houston," Lewis said.

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Sixers' move gives Bulls chance to sign Harpring

Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald reports that the Bulls are now free to sign Matt Harpring without restrictions. Yesterday the Sixers rescinded their qualifying offer for Harpring making him an unrestricted free agent. In doing so the Sixers lose their right to match other team’s offers for the forward.

While Sixers GM Billy King says the move does not mean they can’t resign Harpring, it clearly means they aren’t eager to bring him back. The Sixers are reportedly pursuing Celtic’s free agent Rodney Rogers to fill their front court. Rogers is now available since the Celtics traded for Vin Baker.

Harpring’s name has been listed on the Bulls wish list, but GM Jerry Krause did not admit having interest in Harpring. Krause has not denied that the Bulls are seeking a veteran big man. The question is whether they want to spend the money to pry Popeye Jones away from Washington or settle for a less expensive choice such as Danny Manning, Corie Blount or Brian Skinner, and thereby make a more substantial offer to a small forward.

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