Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes his team is better off without Dwight Howard. As the team continues its search for a center, free agent Samuel Dalembert reportedly agreed to a deal with Dallas and Greg Oden remains an offseason target.
Losing the Dwight Howard sweepstakes wasn't a big deal, according to Cuban. In fact, it even helped the Mavericks.
"I think we've put ourselves in a spot where we're in a better spot than we were at if we got just the one max-out deal," Cuban told ESPNDallas.com on Wednesday. "I think it'd be better shorter and longer term. I don't want to make that sound the wrong way. I think we'll be better this year because we added five good players or more."
Choosing to pass on Andrew Bynum, the Mavericks turned to former Milwaukee Bucks center Dalembert. Cuban confirmed the deal to TrueHoops Network.
"It's not signed, signed, but it's agreed upon," Cuban told the network, according to ESPN. "He'll bring shot-blocking and rebounding to the team."
Despite acquiring a starting center, the Mavericks remain interested in Oden. The injury-plagued center hasn't played in an NBA game since Dec. 5, 2009, but he could prove to be a great acquisition if he remains healthy.
Oden missed the entire 2012-13 season to concentrate on rehabbing his injuries. The Portland Trailblazers waived the 7-footer in March 2012, a month after his third microfracture knee surgery.
The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are rumored to be the frontrunners for Oden.
Dallas is focused on rebuilding a championship-contending team. The Mavericks have been busy this offseason, according to HoopsWorld. The team signed Jose Calderon (four years, $29 million) and agreed to terms with Wayne Ellington and Monta Ellis. Rookies Shane Larkin and Ricky Ledo will also join the squad.
