J . . . K . . . L . . . M . . . Mate. Matrix.

Okay, so we're saying goodbye to Wright, George, and Stackhouse. Bass too, probably, because his position's been filled and he's looking for more minutes and money anyway. (UPDATE: Confirmed, the Magic have made him an offer, 4 years, $18 million.) Between them, some pretty good ballplayers, with yards of heart and guts.

That's what we're losing (so far). What're we gaining?

It's the talk of the town (behind the Rangers looking better than they have any right to). Shawn Marion, called The Matrix for reasons that pass understanding, is coming to Dallas.

Paraphrasing Bugs Bunny; "I don't even know what a Matrix is. I'd better find out more about 'em."

Shawn Marion
Birthdate: May 7, 1978
Height/Weight: 6'7", 230 lbs
Position: Forward
Seasons in league: 10, first round draft pick (#9, Phoenix) in 1999
Career averages:
17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.3 blocks, on an average of 37.6 minutes per game (regular season)
Assorted honors and stuff: 4-time All Star, 2004 Olympic bronze medalist
Notes: Marion's spent most of his career with the Phoenix Suns. By and large he thrived there, until he grew unhappy with his compensation and asked for a trade. He was one of the players that went to the Heat when the Suns traded for Shaq in 2008. The Heat traded him to Toronto at the trade deadline earlier this year for Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon. We got him in a four-team swap party that's over my head to analyze, quite frankly -- whatever, we got him.
In The Wash: Fast, tough, terrific offensive player, and somebody who can defend the league's best professional headaches. Can start as a small forward, back up Dirk as a power forward, or play power forward while Dirk plays center. In the basketball sense I like the move. However, a happy locker room is essential to this team's success. And Marion's got a history of whining if he doesn't feel appreciated.

Marcin Gortat's offer sheet has been signed, and Orlando has one week to match. Latest update from the Morning News says the big guy is hearing they might, which would throw a very large monkeywrench into the Mavs machine.
-BJ