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Their News: “Dallas is hoping that the combination of Marion and Orlando restricted free agent Marcin Gortat ---along with the re-signing of Jason Kidd ---would greatly improve the depth and flexibility possessed by a team that won 50 games last season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs before losing to Denver.”  (ESPN.com, Marc Stein)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Right now, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Denver are the favorites in the Western Conference. After all, the Lakers have ‘Ron-Ron’, the Spurs can roll out ‘The Big Four’, and the Nuggets will likely build on their successful 2009.

Following an impressive summer and playoff, the Dallas Mavericks could be nipping at the heels of these teams. Here’s the question: is Team Cuban returning to prominence?

A celebratory June appearance on The David Letterman Show is unlikely for renegade owner Mark Cuban. While not quite an elite team, Dallas deserves credit for retooling Dirk Nowitzki’s supporting cast instead of rebuilding by trading away the former MVP.

Staying competitive and relevant is better than dealing your star and making annual trips to New Jersey for the draft lottery.

It started when the club kept free agent Jason Kidd. Sure, three years and $25 million for a 36-year old point guard is a risk. Still, Cuban felt retaining the Hall of Famer’s passing and leadership was worth an extra year on the back-end of his contract.

Then they tendered restricted free agent Marcin Gortat a five-year deal for the Mid Level Exception. The Magic won’t match the offer sheet because of cap issues, so the Mavericks now have a physical post, who can rebound, defend, and handle either a starting or reserve role.

Nothing is official, but today ESPN is reporting Dallas is on the verge of acquiring ‘The Matrix’ in a three team sign-and-trade with Memphis and Toronto. While Shawn Marion’s game has slipped a notch, he fits as a co-star next to Josh Howard, Nowitzki and pass-first 'J-Kidd', especially if he comes at an $8 million salary.

Don’t forget about Dallas in 2010. They’re deep and strong defensively. Retooling around Nowitzki, not rebuilding was the key.

Got thoughts on the Mavericks’ getting Marion? What about their off-season? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of airstrikemike.