PORTLAND, Ore. - His name has been mentioned in trade rumors more than any other Mavericks player this season. But it doesn't seem to ruffle Juwan Howard.

"Pro basketball is a business, and I understand the business side of it," Howard said. "But I've been traded before, although I'd love to stay here with the Mavericks."

The way Howard has played lately, the Mavericks might be better served by keeping the eight-year veteran, who has become the team's most productive interior player.

"He's done a good job for us," Mavericks coach Don Nelson said. "He struggled for a long time, but now he's in a pretty good rhythm."