The Mavs would save at least $51 million and perhaps much more by waiving Michael Finley under a provision in the NBA's new labor deal known as the amnesty clause. This one-time escape hatch lets teams avoid the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax obligation on one contract.

The money owed will still count against the salary cap. And the player will still get his guaranteed money -- plus more from whatever team signs him next. Players can't rejoin the team that cuts them until after the existing contract expires. In Finley's case, that would mean no sooner than the 2008-09 season.

"We haven't given up on trying to figure out a way to get the savings and keep Mike in a Mavericks uniform," team president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said Friday. "We've come up with creative solutions to problems before, and we're trying to pull a rabbit out of our hat again. But of the multiple scenarios, we're down to the last few. It's looking less and less likely."

Nothing can happen until the collective bargaining agreement is signed, which is expected by the end of next week. The amnesty opportunity expires once the upcoming season begins.