Cuban Warns Feud Could Make Him Sell

Outspoken Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban said on Thursday that he would sell the team if NBA Commissioner David Stern ever punished him by forcing the franchise to forfeit draft picks.

“Because at that point it’s personal, and I can’t run a business in that kind of world,” Cuban said.

Cuban has been fined eight times totaling more than $1 million in his first two years as owner.

Meanwhile, Russ Granik, the NBA’s deputy commissioner, deemed as “pure speculation” reports of a possible suspension of Cuban or the forfeiture of draft picks. However, Lewis Katz, owner of the New Jersey Nets, implied Cuban will be suspended for his next violation, saying “he’s right on that line of not being able to go to games.”

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The Charlotte Hornets filed an application with the NBA to move to New Orleans, and Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster said he was certain league owners will approve the move.

“The whole deal is complete,” Foster said.

The relocation must be approved by a majority of the 29 NBA owners. Granik said he hopes for a vote by late April. The team would play in the two-year-old New Orleans Arena.

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Denver Nugget forward Antonio McDyess, recovering from October knee surgery, might wait until next season to return to the court.