The Dallas Mavericks are saying that smoothing things over with Josh Howard is a prudent course of action and, while they may shop him over the off season, it is most likely they will not get equal value for him and will retain his services, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

Howard, once considered untouchable, was a distraction for the Mavs during the playoffs when he admitted to off-season marijuana usage on a radio program, followed by a late-night birthday bash.

"After spending every day the last week with him, it's clear to me that Josh knows that this is a critical summer for him," Coach Rick Carlisle said Wednesday. "He understands he's made some mistakes. And I made it clear to him that trust has to be earned. And he has a lot of people to win back. It's doable. But it takes time."

"He told me that it's very important to him to stay a Dallas Maverick. He also understands his name is going to be out there with speculation and rumors. I like the things I've heard to this point. But trust and respect is a two-way street. I made it clear to him that I'm going to do my part. And so far, he's done his."

Via Dallas Morning News

Dallas Mavericks

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