THE CRUCIFIX: Cato: Wood isn't thrilled w/ his role...Will depart in the summer

[F Gump]

Wow, rumors started by both sides, daily. This is a full blown "negotiate through the media" approach that I don't remember the Mavs doing much during the Nelson days. I don't know if it's better or worse, but it's interesting.

Assuming that's what's going on (and it sure looks like it!), it's a good sign (if you want to see them keep Wood), because it would mean there's currently a deal to be made and hanging in the balance, and they just need to find how to get there.

I think both sides have motivation to get a deal done. We can't lose sight of the fact that Wood has never had his team decide to re-sign him when his contract ran out, and his ability to get numbers has never landed him a major commitment from any team. And we also can't lose sight of the fact that the Mavs can't afford to get Brunsoned again, both on a talent level and also as a "demonstration of level of front office competence" (or lack of same).

BUT - we also have to remember that Cuban (and his trainees, of course) have always been awful at negotiating. He really has shown no skill in getting a deal if he doesn't egregiously overpay. So it's not easy to expect they'll have the poker-playing skill to get to yes on a deal that is reasonable from a team perspective.