Mavericks, Van Horn Fleece the NBA's Trade System

There was certainly a lot of one-upsmanship going on at the NBA trade deadline this year.

The Lakers made the steal of the year in acquiring Pau Gasol, who immediately changes the fortunes of Dr. Phil's club from also-rans to leading-contender status, especially if Bynum comes back healthy.

Then there was the Suns’ trade for Shaq. Don't worry, Phoenix fans, despite today's whipping at the hands of the Pistons, Shaq won't slow you down. The other four guys can run down the floor while Shaq sits waiting in the rocking chair to slam one home.

Clearly a gamble by Suns GM Steve Kerr, but I like the move, as the Suns are at least trying something different so that they can finally bring home a championship.

There were other deals as well, with the not-so-LuvaBulls shipping out the disappointing Ben Wallace to Cleveland for an equally disappointing Larry Hughes, who is owed $26 million over the next two seasons. 

But the deal that got my attention the most was the Mavs’ trade for Jason Kidd. Not simply because it makes the Mavs better in the short run–it does–but for a small part of the transaction that may have escaped your notice.

In order for this trade to happen, the Mavs had to figure out a way to get around Stern's salary rules, where the trade has to financially equal out for both clubs. To do that, Cuban basically fleeced the NBA by talking Keith Van Horne out of retirement in time to get him included in the trade. 

So, despite not having played since 2005, Van Horne will collect a cool $4.5 million to sit on the bench for one month, thus making the trade valid. At that point, he can pass Go, collect his money and head for the hills if he wants. And hey, $4.5 mil for a month's work is good money if you can get it.

Heck, it's Roger Clemens money.

Cuban has often thumbed his nose at Stern's fines. Isn't it ironic that he now uses Stern's own financial system to fleece him?  

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