Cuban: No Dirk for Kobe Trade

Over the last two seasons, the Dallas Mavericks and their fans have experienced two heart-wrenching Playoff flameouts: In the 2006 NBA Finals, Dwyane Wade(and the refs) were the executioners, and last season, the eight-seeded Warriors took down first place Dallas in a memorable first round matchup.

Both times, it was evident that the Mavs did not have that one grab-the-bulls-by-the-horn player, the kind of fearless leader who can win you a crucial Playoff game practically by his lonesome.

As it happens, such a player is available, but Mavs owner Mark Cuban isn't willing to part ways with his MVP-winning power foward, Dirk Nowitzki, in order to get him. From the Dallas Morning News:

"I still haven't talked to [Lakers owner] Jerry Buss," Cuban said. "So until that happens, nothing can happen.

"If and when I talk to Jerry, I'll make it clear that we're not going to trade Dirk. And we're not going to dismantle our team."

I understand the argument against dismantling the team; if the Mavs gut their squad just to obtain the Kobe, they automatically transform into today's Lakers and Bryant will be back in the exact same situation: A superstar talent without the help necessary to challenge for a championship.

Outright refusing to trade Dirk (and his spotty Playoff reputation) for Kobe (who lives for the postseason), however, makes little to no sense.