The National Basketball Association has fined the Dallas Mavericks $750,000 for "conduct detrimental to the league" in relation to its player resting policy by keeping several key players out for an elimination game against the Chicago Bulls on April 7, according to a press release.
The Mavericks sent the New York Knicks a 2023 top-10 protected first-round pick as part of the 2019 trade centered around Kristaps Porzingis. The league said the Mavericks' decision to rest several starters was part of "the organization's desire to lose the game in order to improve the chances of keeping its first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft," citing the franchise's actions and public statements for its ruling after the completion of an investigation.
"The Dallas Mavericks' decision to restrict key players from fully participating in an elimination game last Friday against Chicago undermined the integrity of our sports, said Basketball Hall of Famer Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. "The Mavericks' actions failed our fans and our league."
The Mavericks lost to the Bulls, 115-112, on April 7 and 138-117 to the San Antonio Spurs on April 9 to finish with a 38-44 overall record during the 2022-23 regular-season, the 10th worst record among all NBA teams, with a 3% chance to land the No. 1 overall pick and greater odds to stay in the top-10.
Colin Cowherd Shuts Down Lakers NBA Finals Hype: 'This is Not a Great Team'
Jason Whitlock: Jill Biden Saw Caitlin Clark as a Political Pawn For 2024
Colin Cowherd's Five Bold Predictions For the 2023 NBA Playoffs
Kelvin Washington: No NBA Playoff Team Fears the Nuggets
Jason Whitlock Rips 'Elitist Clown' Gregg Popovich After Gun Control Rant
Rob Parker Calls Out Chris Broussard for 'Cop Out' All-NBA Team Selection
Doug Gottlieb: The Real Reason Why the Ravens Signed Odell Beckham Jr.
Colin Cowherd Calls Out Luka Doncic 'He's Becoming Carmelo Anthony'
Here's What Colin Cowherd Thinks of Lakers' Chances of Winning NBA Finals
Colin Cowherd on Odell Beckham Jr. Deal With Ravens: 'It Feels Desperate'