I had a _very_ pleasant surprise this morning reading the newspaper.  The
Mavs and Michael Finley went back to the table yesterday and hammered out
a 5 year, $42 million extension with a player opt-out clause after the 3rd
year (2000-01).  The deal was reached just before the 11 pm deadline to
sign 1995 draft picks to extensions (else they would become free agents
July 1).  Don Nelson on the deadline, "With one minute to spare."  At $8.4
million per year, it is the biggest average the Mavs have ever given to a
player.  [Jason Kidd's 9 year, $54 million was the biggest contract.]
Nelson: "I'm relieved because it was something that we really wanted to
do.  We want to have a competitive team here, and when you're building a
team, you have to sign your young players.  This was a high priority for
us."

The Mavs' 2nd annual Tip-off Luncheon will be October 28 from 11:30 to 1:00 
at Reunion Arena.  Emmitt Smith will be this year's recipient of the Don
and Linda Carer Community Spirit Award.  Fred Hickman (CNN) will be the
master of ceremonies and Frank Layden (Utah Jazz president and NBA funny
man) will be the key note speaker.  There will also be a silent auction of
sports memorabilia to benefit the Dallas Mavericks Foundation.  The 
Platinum Package is $1,000 for a table of ten and special things, the Gold
Package is $650 for a table of 8 and other things, and individual seats 
maybe purchased for $100.  For more information call 214-653-0203.

Training camp starts tomorrow.  (yeah!!!!)


patricia