A near-miss trade in 2007 could have dramatically altered NBA history, potentially pairing Kobe Bryant with Dirk Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently revisited the discussions, highlighting how close the two stars came to playing together.
Cuban’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Negotiations
Cuban said the trade talks happened while he was on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. He negotiated with Kobe’s agent, Rob Pelinka, and sought approval from Lakers owner Jerry Buss between rehearsals and live shows. The Mavericks’ offer included Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and two first-round draft picks in exchange for Bryant.
Cuban recalled finding quiet moments with the help of a production assistant named Elvis, a big Kobe fan. He would use breaks to speak with Rob Pelinka, Kobe’s agent at the time, who said they needed Dr. Buss’s approval.
The Deal That Almost Was
According to Cuban, Jerry Buss was ready to approve the trade. Cuban thought the deal was done, involving two first-round picks, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry for Kobe.
However, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak intervened and convinced Bryant to remain with the Lakers. Cuban said they received a call from Rob Pelinka saying that Mitch Kupchak had talked Kobe out of it. He said it was that close.
Nowitzki’s Selfless Offer
Dirk Nowitzki was informed about the potential trade. Nowitzki even offered himself as a trade piece. “You can trade me. I would trade me for Kobe, too,” Cuban recalled Nowitzki saying.
Cuban, however, wanted to pair the two stars, not trade one for the other. He told Nowitzki that the whole point was for them to play together.
The failed trade left Cuban and the Mavericks wondering what could have been.