Tim MacMahon, ESPN Staff Writer 11y

Mavs, Bucks not talking sign-and-trade

There are no discussions about a sign-and-trade deal involving O.J. Mayo between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein on Wednesday.

The sources said the Mavs are prepared to let Mayo leave and move on to other business. Mayo is close to agreeing to a multiyear deal with Milwaukee after averaging 15.3 points and 4.4 assists during his lone season in Dallas.

The Mavs had discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with other Mayo suitors, including talks with the Clippers that would have made ready-to-start 23-year-old point guard Eric Bledsoe a Maverick. However, the Clippers ended up agreeing to terms with shooting guard J.J. Redick instead, sending Bledsoe to the Suns in a three-team sign-and-trade deal.

All possible Mayo sign-and-trade scenarios were part of the Mavs' contingency plans if Dwight Howard doesn't decide to come to Dallas. The Mavs would have had to renounce Mayo's rights as part of the process of clearing enough salary-cap space to sign Howard to a max contract.

Monta Ellis, who opted out of making $11 million to stay in Milwaukee next season, is among the free-agent guards the Mavs have expressed interest in this summer. Those talks have yet to become "substantive," according to a source. The Mavs are in a holding pattern while Howard ponders his decision.

The Mavs are also intrigued by Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings, but Milwaukee has made it clear that the intention is to match any offer for the restricted free agent.

^ Back to Top ^