Maybe mercifully, the Dallas Mavericks dream of signing superstar Kawhi Leonard to pair with Luka Doncic is dead.
No wasted time. No wasted emotion.
Of course, that might mean no superstar addition at all.
Indeed, we know that one Mavs' offseason focus is, as owner Mark Cuban has told us, the addition of a "secondary ball-handler'' to help Doncic.
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Who are the names that might fit there?.
Eric Bledsoe is a rumored name. He just got traded to Memphis and maybe he's a buyout guy. Problems? He's not a very successful off-the-ball player, and in the past, we can say that the Mavs have never been big fans.
Goran Dragic
Dragic could reach free agency if Miami needs cap space. The Heat could choose to decline his $19.4 million team-option, at which time his relationship with Doncic could be a real draw and his perimeter shooting and playmaking would be helpful, too.
This seems like an easy call - but it might not move the needle much.
Mike Conley
A player the Mavs have long liked, though the Utah Jazz will be aggressive in trying to retain him. Conley excels as a secondary ball-handler ... but why would he want to leave the reigning top seed in the West?
Kyle Lowry
NBA insider Marc Stein has mentioned the idea of Kyle Lowry and the re-signing of Tim Hardaway Jr. as being Dallas priorities.
Issues? Lowry is older. He will be an expensive option. He will require a sign-and-trade (if the Mavericks do indeed sign Hardaway Jr.).
And then there is this: Based on league rules, Lowry would need to sign at least a three-year deal to be eligible in such a trade scenario.
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So a 35-year-old ... at good as he is on both ends of the floor ... with a $90 million contract and a three-year commitment ... and an outgoing asset to make it happen.
The Mavs aren't limited to this list. But in terms of point-guard help, the Pels just cleared space to keep Lonzo Ball. Other positions? Atlanta's John Collins is restricted; Dallas would have to win a bidding war. Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency is a fit. So are many others.
But "superstar''? That list is short. And premium "secondary ball-handler''? That list is limited.