Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News takes a look at the financial implications that caused and resulted from the Juwan Howard/van Exel-LaFrentz trade.  

In making the trade, the Mavs essentially surrendered any hope of signing Tim Duncan or any similar headliner in 2003.  But, Stein says, they already had to give up on it.  After initial projections dictated they'd have the cap space -- and after they conducted their offseason with that in mind -- details about the new TV deal and other things have lowered their expectations of the cap and they now believe they wouldn't have had the room anyway.  However, claims Mark Cuban, this deal was too good to pass up anyway; he'd take the four he got over one Tim Duncan.

Besides the Duncan Sweepstakes, the Mavs are fortifying their reputation as one that makes trades, which may make some of their players nervous -- like Michael Finley.  Cuban spoke with Finley to allay his fears, but does recognize it as a problem more generally.  But, says Cuban, "When you move up the ladder, you shuffle less. It's not just a revolving door here."

Finally, the Mavs will definitely be paying the luxury tax, something Cuban has not been avoiding anyway.  In 2003-'04, the Mavs payroll will be over $70 million, meaning they'll pay at least another $20 million in luxury tax.  This offseason, they have more free agents to sign (or not) -- Lafrentz, Wang, Najera, Buckner, and Newman -- plus some salary cap exceptions to get still more free agents.  Despite all these costs, Cuban is not worried.  He says he's doubled revenue since he arrived, and plans to double it again before the luxury tax hits.