(01-18-2023, 12:37 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: But the truth is that all we KNOW is that there wasn't an opportunity given for it to be offered.
The reporting universally is that the Mavs were never given the opportunity to give a final offer. JB initially accepted a final meeting with the Mavs (reported by Stein) and then JB backed out and refused that meeting (reported by Stein).
Sure, the Mavs had a number they didn't want to exceed, but their appeal for a final meeting points to them being willing to potentially do whatever was needed at the 11th hour. JB chose to play in NYK rather than hear a final offer from the Mavs.
The ship had sailed. The Mavs had already screwed things up in the years prior. It was too late.