Mavericks owner Mark Cuban won’t have to dip into his wallet after the NBA decided not to fine him for saying he hopes Michael Finley would consider returning to the Mavs when his contract with the Spurs expires.
The league reviewed Cuban’s comments made last week for possible tampering charges, but an NBA spokesman confirmed Monday that no action would be taken.
Cuban also commented that he was rooting for Finley to win the NBA championship. He said his intent was to compliment Finley and surprise fans that he was cheering for the Spurs.
He said he didn’t believe he was tampering because the Mavs can’t talk to Finley until his contract expires after the 2007-08 season, even though Finley can opt out of his deal after this season.
The Mavs waived Finley in August 2005 as part of the league’s one-time amnesty provision. It allowed the Mavs to avoid paying the luxury tax on the $51.8 million owed to Finley. The Spurs signed him to a three-year, $8.5 million contract. Cuban is also continuing to pay Finley the remainder of his Mavs contract.
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