DALLAS - The Mavs entered free-agency summer shopping with "10 viable options" that would be regarded as successful. And GM Donnie Nelson says, 'We've got a lot of greaseboards with lots of different scenarios.' There is some clarity on two of those scenarios: Chandler Parsons, who Dallas covets but must wait on pending a Rockets' decision whether to match his offer sheet; and Lance Stephenson, the oft-kilter Pacers standout who is moving up Dallas' list of desireables with a bullet.
The Rockets have until 10:59 p.m. CT Sunday to decide whether to exercise their right to match the three-year, $46-million offer sheet Parsons signed with the Mavs. Anybody pretending to know Houston's plan here is fibbing.
"No," said Mavs owner Mark Cuban when asked if he knew. "It's just a waiting game."
But while the Mavs wait, they visit with replacement prospects in case Parsons is matched. Once a lower-rung idea, the concept of adding Stephenson is one Cuban is now talking about openly.
"We're exploring a lot of options, a lot of different people," Cuban said. "Hopefully the Rockets won't match and we'll have Chandler and that changes what we're able to do, but Lance is certainly on the list."
A source tells us Dallas is in touch with the controversial Stephenson but has yet to discuss with him contract parameters.
If Parsons comes to Dallas, all of the Mavs' $15 million in cap room is essentially eaten up. Stephenson would only require part of that money.
"It wouldn't be a single player," Cuban said. "It would have to be multiple players. ... (People) recognize that (Dallas is) going to be a spender. If they match, we've got money to spend."
