LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN Jason Kidd averaged 9.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season for the Dallas Mavericks.If Jason Kidd were to forsake the Dallas Mavericks for the New York Knicks - and for less money - it would be a slap at the Mavericks’ prestige, writes DMN Dallas Mavericks beat writer Eddie Sefko. Hey, if Mark Cuban’s money is no good anymore, what’s left

AP Because Marcin Gortat is a restricted free agent, the Magic would have seven days to match the Mavericks’ offer.Marcin Gortat, a 6-11 backup center for the Orlando Magic, has been offered a contract by the Dallas Mavericks, multiple sources said Thursday. The sources said that the only thing that could stand in the way is if the Magic match the offer, believed to be about $5.5 million.  

AP Because Marcin Gortat is a restricted free agent, the Magic would have seven days to match the Mavericks’ offer.Marcin Gortat, a 6-11 backup center for the Orlando Magic, has been offered a contract by the Dallas Mavericks, multiple sources said Thursday. The sources said that the only thing that could stand in the way is if the Magic match the offer, believed to be about $5.5 million.

The Dallas Mavericks opened the free-agent period early Wednesday by letting free-agent guard Jason Kidd know that they are prepared to sign him to a three-year deal, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

Getty Images The Mavericks maintain that re-signing Jason Kidd is a priority.The free-agent season opens Wednesday, and Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd is expected to get overtures from several teams. But Dallas has an edge

MONA REEDER / DMN Roddy Beaubois, the Dallas Mavericks’ new addition at point guard, is introduced at American Airlines Center on Friday.Being an NBA first-round draft pick is a glorious moment for any player. It was no different for new Dallas Maverick Roddy Beaubois.

MONA REEDER / DMN Roddy Beaubois, the Dallas Mavericks’ new addition at point guard, is introduced at American Airlines Center on Friday.Being an NBA first-round draft pick is a glorious moment for any player. It was no different for new Dallas Maverick Roddy Beaubois

MELANIE BURFORD / DMN Donnie Nelson (left) and Rick Carlisle have another pick to work with Thursday.Most NBA presidents and general managers expect the proverbial lump of coal when draft time comes. So, the Dallas Mavericks traded down Wednesday, sending their 22nd pick overall to Portland for the Trail Blazers’ pick (24th overall), a second-round pick (56th) and a second-round pick in 2010.

DMN FILE Dirk Nowitzki spoke openly about his romance with Cristal Taylor for the first time to Bild Magazine.Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki said in a German publication that he still wants to have a family, but “it will not be easy to win my heart” after his relationship with former fiancé Cristal Taylor ended with a rocky, emotional split.

Getty Images North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson is one player the Dallas Mavericks are looking with the No.