The Dallas Mavericks organization has more to consider this offseason than usual. The moment the Clippers won rights to the #1 draft pick in last week’s NBA lottery, every team had to make adjustments to its offseason approach. Los Angeles has several big contracts it would like to jettison. They’re likely to trade two of these four big names: Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and Zach Randolph.

Here’s a quick look at each player’s 2008-2009 salary:

Baron Davis – $11,250,000
Chris Kaman – $9,500,000
Marcus Camby – $10,000,000
Zach Randolph – $14,666,667

That’s a ton of money for four players, especially considering that two of them play the same position. Throw #1 draft pick Blake Griffin, and you have two many big men.

This is where it gets interesting for Dallas. The Star-Telegram is reporting that Dallas might have a shot at a deal to get Baron Davis and Chris Kaman. Looking at what they spent on Jason Kidd last year, the point guard/center duo come in at almost exactly the same dollar amount as Kidd alone.

A lot of people have big questions about Baron Davis. I think he’s one of the most talented lazy players in the NBA. When he puts in the effort, Davis is scary good. Sure, his shooting has been streaky, but he’s quick, he’s confident, and he’s got that swagger Dallas doesn’t have.

Perhaps the better question is whether Davis can fit into the mentality of the Mavericks team. I say anything is possible, but I’d understand if the scouts and management don’t see it as a fit.

Not to automatically throw Kidd out with the bathwater. As I mentioned in a previous post about Jason Kidd, we probably owe the guy an apology. Kidd was clutch in several games this year. His three point shooting was significantly better than anyone expected. There are still days, though, when Kidd isn’t much of a scoring threat, and that can’t happen if the Mavs are going to compete for a championship in 2010. Add to the problem that Kidd can’t cover point guards on defense and you have enough reason to let him go this offseason if another guard like Baron Davis is available.

Kaman would be a nice addition to the team, especially if it means benching or, better yet, trading Erick Dampier. Trading Damp is probably a pipe dream. Who would want this big lug? But if they do, scrap ‘im quick! Kaman is almost the exact same height and weight as Damp, except Kaman is seven years younger and averaged six more points and one more rebound per game last year. He’s no Dwight Howard, of course, but he’d make a significant improvement to Dallas’ inside presence.

We’ve also heard that the Mavs have taken a look at the #1 French point guard prospect Rodrigue Beaubois and several others in the same position. With Dallas’ late first round pick, it’s hard to imagine them getting starting point guard quality. So at best, Dallas may pick up a backup point guard and try to move JJ Barea. We love Barea around here, but we all wish he could magically grow at least 4 inches to help his game reach the next level.

As always, we’ll wait and watch with much anticipation… hoping the Mavs don’t disappoint us in yet another lackluster offseason.

It’s a tough sell at this exact moment. Dallas just pulled off an upset by defeating the Magic in Orlando. Back to back impressive road wins does NOT put anyone in the mood to trade.

105.3FM The Fan, a local Dallas area sports radio station, referenced yesterday’s Baron Davis article this afternoon, mentioning my comparison of Baron Davis and Terrell Owens. It’s a logical comparison. Both are divas. Both get PAID. Both perform best when they’re happy with their surroundings. Both are potential team chemistry wreckers. Both get more attention than they deserve. Both have failed to consistently live up to their potential, year to year to year. Can Baron fit in with the Mavericks? Or would he be the Mavericks’ own personal T.O.?

Now that you’re less interested in Davis, let’s go ahead and take a look at three trade scenarios being mentioned by the “experts.”

Scenario 1: Trade Kidd for Baron Davis and Marcus Camby now.

Scenario 2: Wait and see if you can get Chris Bosch in 2010?

Scenario 3: Make BOTH trades now, by moving Kidd to the Clippers and Dirk to Toronto. Seriously. Would you? If it could happen now, would you like to get six or seven years younger with Bosch?

Check it: Baron Davis, Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Chris Bosch, Marcus Camby. Not a bad starting five, assuming they mesh together. Dampier and Camby can compete for minutes. Terry could remain sixth man if you want that scoring power off the bench. Davis, Howard, and Bosch could have some fun in a fast paced offense we were supposed to see in Dallas this year but never really materialized.

We all expect Dallas to opt out on Dampier in 2010. He’s a flop, as I mentioned in my article about Damp yesterday at DallasProSports.com. With this trade, you have Damp and Camby as options to keep, trade, or release. You might deal Josh Howard out for a better fit next year if he can’t mesh well, and see what you can get for him before next year’s trade deadline.

In the end, all you really lose is Dirk. Yes we love Dirk. We love him because he’s all that’s left of the big three. Releasing Nash was the biggest mistake in franchise history since the Karl Malone draft, so we should be able to stomach the loss of Dirk.

A word of warning, however. Give up on Dirk, and your team attitude will change forever. He may not be the killer instinct leader you want paving the way to a championship, but he’s been the focus of this team, and he’s brought a sportsmanship that many teams don’t have. A team led by Baron Davis won’t be known for its sportsmanship… I’ll guarantee you that. You will have a typical team with attitude, which is what you Dallas fans have been clamoring for these past few years.

You hate to give up on Dirk. He’s a guy we all expected would retire a Dallas Maverick. But change MUST come, or we must all change our purpose for watching Dallas basketball.

Kidd’s doing well over the past eight or nine games. Kudos to him for not being a flop. But are you REALLY expecting to build a championship team on his shoulders? Didn’t think so.

Mentioned by ESPN.com as an available point guard before the trade deadline, Baron Davis would make an immediate impact on a Mavericks team desperate for a third scoring threat.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry are carrying the team in points, with Jason Kidd contributing a decent number some of the time. But the Kidd trade was a flop if for no other reason than it gave away more draft picks for a an aging star. And while everyone in Dalls is clamoring for a star two guard, Baron Davis is someone who would make the two guard irrelevant.

What would stop the Mavs from seriously pursuing Baron Davis? Injuries, for one. $53 million for two. Four year contract for three. Diva attitude for four.

What about the bright side? Clutch shooting. Unstoppable to the basket. Excellent three point range. Confidence. Swagger. Bursts of speed. All traits the Mavericks desperately need.

The Clippers could use a shorter contract in Jason Kidd to free up some salary cap after next year. The Mavs need a solution and very few superstars are available who could bring the instant thrust this team needs.

Granted, letting Steve Nash go was the biggest mistake made by this franchise since picking Detlef Schrempf over Karl Malone. Trading away Devin Harris was a lesser mistake, though one most of us wish the Mavericks could undo.

Nash led by example on the court, but was too softspoken. Devin lacked the air of confidence and competence needed to lead a team. He was always looking to be led by the coach. Jason Kidd simply doesn’t have the shooting skills or the speed to keep up in this league in the postseason.

Like it or not, Baron Davis is a viable option. He might be the Terrell Owens of basketball, but a move involving Kidd for Davis should definitely be considered. Someone with confidence and some personal pride needs motivate these players. Dirk Nowitzki is NOT going to lead this team.