BTW, The $3.5 million that I've been basing all my numbers on was reported
by David Moore back in February.  Brad Townsend now reports, with this
trade, the Mavs will have about $2.3 million to go after a free agent.
The team also has the $1 million exemption slot available (per the new
collective bargaining agreement).  Townsend's numbers includes the cost of
the #9 pick, but I thought that draftees don't count against the cap until
they are signed.  Anyone know for sure?

I agree (with comments on the Mavs mailing list) that this trade can not 
be judged until we find out how we finish next season.  There does not seem 
to be any protection on the 1997 pick we gave Boston.  If we screw up again 
next season and it ends up being a top 10 pick, this is a bust of a trade.

Montross does have an option in his contract to become a free agent after
the 96-97 season.  (This is one of the reasons Boston wanted to traded him
- Montross was unhappy with the way M.L. Carr was playing him and his
agent (his dad) "strongly suggested" that 96-97 would be Montross' last in
Boston.)

Keith Grant, Jim Cleamons, the Dallas Morning News, one of the more 
basketball knowledgeable radio announcers (Chuck Cooperstein), and one of 
the more likable radio announcers (Chris Arnold) all see it as a good trade.  
Jason Kidd on Montross: "I can tell you he has great hands.  He'll run,
and he'll work hard.  He gives us an offensive outlet at center position.
He also gives us a big body, which we need."

[Hey, Popeye, take some time out this summer and teach Montross how to
shoot free throws!  (37.6% last season, ouch.  He's already filling
Lorenzo's shoes (34.3%).)]

Montross immediately became the tallest Mavs at 7-0 (Parks 6-11) and 
biggest at 270 (Meyer 260).

Montross led his high school team to the Indiana state championship in 
1990 and led North Carolina to the 1993 NCAA championship.  Montross was 
the 9th pick in 1994.

The Mavs are also looking to make another deal in the next few days.
Grant: "I hope this isn't our last deal.  We still have a lot of things
going on."


patricia