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Jan 24, 2011, 10:39 pm
Quote:Peja Stojakovic deal on hold
DALLAS -- The Mavericks' proposed trade that would send little-used center Alexis Ajinca to Toronto and open a roster spot enabling the team to sign forward Peja Stojakovic when he clears waivers Monday afternoon remains under scrutiny by the league office.
Mavs owner Mark Cuban said on Saturday he expected the league to approve the trade Monday, but Mavs president Donnie Nelson said the deal remains in a "holding pattern," although he, too, remains confident the league will ultimately approve it.
"Hopefully," Nelson said. "We've just got to be patient."
The Ajinca trade appeared to be a done deal Thursday night when the Mavs played at Chicago. Ajinca was even sent from the United Center back to the team hotel. However, the process became delayed when some teams lodged complaints the Mavs and Raptors arranged the deal to circumvent the salary cap.
Stojakovic must be patient as well. He was at the American Airlines Center on Monday and watched the team practice. He was waived by Toronto on Thursday after the team was unable to trade him.
Stojakovic can't sign with Dallas until a roster spot is made available. Nelson said even if the league rejects the trade the Mavs will make space for Stojakovic. One option is to waive the 7-foot-2 Ajinca, who came to the Mavs as a throw-in from Charlotte in the deal that netted starting center Tyson Chandler during the offseason.
Stojakovic won't play Tuesday night when the Mavs open a four-game homestand against the Los Angeles Clippers, and he likely won't be ready for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. Stojakovic still must take a physical upon signing.
He has played just eight games this season with the New Orleans Hornets and Toronto Raptors because of knee issues.
"When the transaction does go through, there's going to be a period where we have to make sure his conditioning and health is right before we put him on the floor," Carlisle said. "I don't know what that period of time is going to be, but I think it's important to understand that this is not just simply a turn-key thing and now you've got a starter."