Dampier's contract is only guarenteed in the 2010-11 season if he plays 25 minutes a game. If Dampier steps up his play and has a reniassance like shaq like everyone expects and stays focused enough to be a constant double-double threat and plays good defense on guys like Duncan, Bynum, Gasol, and with his post presense the Mavericks are in serious championship contention, should management allow Carlisle to play Dampier starter-like minutes (30 or so) since the teams will be extremely close again in the West and a win could mean the difference between the 2nd and the 6th seed? and BTW, if Damp's contract is extended, it is only for one year so we should expect another good year from him then.

/Edit

Even if they control his minutes, Mark Cuban has a crazy obsession with keeping Josh Howard on the Mavs and Damp's expiring contract isnt enough to do a sign-and-trade for a current all-star.

Also, I think Dampier may have some gas left in the tank. Despite being a starter most of his career, he really hasn't had alot of mileage on his legs, and if motivated, I think he could do to a lesser extent what Shaq did this previous season