WOULDJA?: How Mavs Can Bid On Rondo/Allen

   We’ve spent the early summer trying to match up the Mavs with likely dance partners like the Bucks and Pistons. Our presicent suggestion of a dip with Milwaukee just got scuttled. But now, with very solid rumors that Detroit and Boston have exchanged notes on a blockbuster swap, we’ll offer two more “Wouldja?’’ phone calls the Mavs ought to make.

   The Celtics are willing to part with Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo? Really?

   And the Pistons are willing to part with Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey? Really?

   How do the Mavs get in on this?

   *There are varying reports on who turned down whom. And we’re still skeptical that Boston would be so sour on Rondo. But if Rondo and Allen are available, we say the Mavs should be willing to offer a similar package to what the Celtics are apparently seeking. Start with Josh Howard, Jason Terry and something else.

   *If Dallas were to pull that off, in terms of assets: You'd have the guard positions filled. You'd still have the MLE and Stack's contract to add some help in the middle and to get another SF. And with Rondo on board you'd be freed to also consider Kidd as a Sign-and-Trade chip rather than bringing him back.

    *Can Boston still win big with Howard and Terry and something in place of what they lose? Would that Dallas package mirror Hamilton/Prince/Stuckey in terms of talent? OK, not quite. But there are enough chips to make it close. Or better.

    *But Dallas can offer something better than the salary load that Detroit is trying to unhitch. Rip and Prince have three and two years left totaling some $55 million.

    *What could Dallas get back here in Ray Allen? He is gifted – Jet-plus? -- and expiring. That’s $20 mil of expiring. That’s Summer of 2010 Time expiring. When you factor that in, we say Dallas should offer:

    Josh. Jet. Something else. And a lot of more something else.

    *What is Rondo’s deal? He’s a Kidd with rockets on his feet. But something is amiss here. His name shouldn’t even be coming up in Boston. Is there a contract-extension problem? An ego problem? What? We don’t care. He’s special.

    *Less attractive to Dallas is the Detroit side of these talks. But if the Pistons are dumping talent? Just as with Richard Jefferson and Milwaukee, there are discussions worth having. … and dances worth dancing.

    *PS: If Boston is really giving up on Rajon Rondo, we owe somebody an apologetic beer.