Wizards may release Strickland early
Washington Would Rod Strickland give up $1 million just to be in the playoffs this year? How about $2 million? Or $4 million? The Washington Wizards point guard might have to make that decision today.
According to The Washington Post, the Wizards are considering whether to offer to buy out the rest of Strickland's contract for a reduced amount. In exchange, the Wizards would agree to cut Strickland by midnight tonight, making him eligible for the postseason if he's signed by another team.
Strickland's contract expires after next season. He is scheduled to make $10 million, but the Wizards can buy out the final season for $5 million.
Mavs sign Maxwell
Dallas Vernon Maxwell, out of the NBA since being released by Philadelphia in December, passed a physical Wednesday and was signed to a bargain contract by Dallas for the remainder of the season.
The 35-year-old shooting guard will practice with the eighth team of his 13-year career today and is likely to play Saturday against Houston.
"First of all, I've got to get myself in shape," Maxwell said. "After that, I'll work myself and try to help the team, just try to do the little things to help the team as much as possible."
The key to the timing of the deal is that Maxwell is eligible to be on Dallas' playoff roster, should the Mavericks maintain their pace and end an 11-year postseason drought, the longest in the NBA.
While Maxwell has averaged 14.2 points during his 15-year career, his conduct has often overshadowed his long jumpers.
His rap sheet includes a 10-game suspension for running into the stands and punching a fan, a 90-day jail sentence stemming from a conviction for marijuana possession and a fight with then-teammate Gary Payton in Seattle.
In January, he was sentenced to 500 hours of community service and two years' probation and was ordered to continue anger-management counseling after pleading no contest to misdemeanor assault.
"I'm older, wiser, so that's behind me," Maxwell said.
The Mavericks were willing to overlook Maxwell's "Mad Max" persona because they thinned their backcourt depth last week by trading Hubert Davis and Courtney Alexander to Washington in the deal for Juwan Howard.
"I hope he's grown up a little bit," said Don Nelson, Dallas' coach and general manager. "He certainly has learned some tough lessons."
Nelson said he considered most of Maxwell's problems off-court issues. On the court, Nelson said Maxwell could provide a nice spark.
"We really need another guard, and Vernon is a proven competitor," Nelson said. "He plays good defense and shoots the 3. He could be a nice addition and, going into the playoffs, can really help us."
Last February, owner Mark Cuban signed Rodman to help the team's rebounding problems. The forward was cut after 29 trouble-filled days. Dallas went 4-9 with him, then 16-6 after he was gone.
"Sure, people will compare this to Rodman, but we're not tied down in any way," Cuban said. "Just like before, if there's any problem, we part ways."
Maxwell will make $294,118, the prorated share of the $1 million veteran minimum. He fills the roster spot opened Tuesday when Obinna Ekezie, acquired from the Wizards, went on the injured list with a sprained ankle.
Maxwell becomes one of the handful of players who have played for all three Texas teams. He had two stints with San Antonio and helped Houston win consecutive championships in 1994-95.
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