The Bobcats are shopping Gerald Wallace and if the Mavs are wanting to part ways with Josh Howard then this seems like a pretty logical trade. They can play the same positions, their offensive numbers were pretty identical last season and they make almost the same money. Wallace is probably a better defender and gets a lot more steals and blocks than Howard, but he turns the ball over more on the offensive end. However, Wallace is also more aggressive and although he isn't as good a FT shooter as Howard, he will drive and get to the line a lot more. This is key because one of the problems Howard has developed is that he thinks he is a jump shooter and isn't as apt to go to the basket. Howard has had a more consistent career, but I think we have seen his potential and don't know if he is a guy we can count on to take some load off of Dirk. I don't know if Wallace is either, but he is a couple years younger and probably has a higher ceiling at this point than Howard. The one thing that would make me hesitate in doing this deal is that Wallace has 4 years left on his contract at about $10m a season and Howard only has 2 years left at about the same. The Mavs already have too many huge long term deals, but at this point it is going to take a major miracle to get under the cap, so I guess it doesn't really matter.

I think this is a trade I make if I am Cuban and Nelson. Howard hasn't done what he needs to do on the court and has been a complete idiot off the court, and it is probably better for both the Mavs and Howard if they both get a fresh start away from each other. Wallace would replace Howard's offensive numbers and bring some more intensity to the defensive end. Make it happen, Cuban.

I have soured on Howard, and I think the contract issue you bring up is a valid one. I would strongly consider it.