Josh Howard Saga Ends Well

Howard Remains a Maverick (Getty Images/Glenn James)

What I was fearing would become a disaster couldn't have possibly ended better. Josh Howard for five more years - a four year contract extension worth a little over 40 million.

I think the Mavs got a real bargain.

Back in July, John Hollinger predicted that it would take 6 years and 50 million to resign Josh Howard. I made a post at my old site in agreement; here's what I said at the time. So who has signed for around 4 and 40 in the recent past?

• P.J. Brown - 4 years, 36 million
• Bobby Simmons - 5 years, 47 million
• Caron Butler - 5 years, 46 million

There really aren't many four year deals given for more than few million a year which makes Howard's contract a bit unique. I'm not sure why this isn't a five year deal like is the norm or which side wanted it this way. I had thought that maybe Howard's agent wanted Howard to hit free agency at age 31 rather than 32. That doesn't appear to be correct however; according to Dwain Price's article today, Howard originally wanted a five year deal. I would have liked Howard to get five years as well, so if this decision to only give four years was that of the Mavs front office I can't say that I agree with it.

Overall though, I can't complain - it was a good day for Maverick fans.

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In Eddie Sefko's game recap he quoted Avery Johnson as saying about Dirk that: "There are a few things we're having him concentrate on in the preseason. We've been very specific. If he makes a few shots, great. But there are other things we'd like to see out of him." I'd be willing to bet one of those things is his passes. I thought Dirk's passing was the most improved part of his game last season, but it didn't really translate to increased assist totals. If last night is any indication, it will this year.

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In the Star-Telegram's daily training camp article Dwain Price has some quotes from Dirk about getting back on the court and a funny story about Avery Johnson impersonating Jason Terry. And Mercedes Mayer interviews Terry who says he would come up to bat in baseball game to Ambitionz Az A Ridah by Tupac. I'll leave you with some lyrics from that song: I'm not sure Chuck Morgan would be to keen on blaring that at the TBiA.