Slam Dunk Central

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I think it is safe to say that Golden State coach Don Nelson and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban will not be sending Christmas cards to each other any time soon - just because they have agreed to disagree on a monetary matter between them; according to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, Nelson’s claim of monies due him will go to arbitration; specifically, the two sides got together unsuccessfully Monday in a mediation session to settle the disagreement over wages that Nelson says were due him from previous ownership.

Nelson, who resigned from the Mavericks with 18 games left in the 2004-2005 season, claims that he deferred $6 million in wages?from the previous Mavericks ownership (back than, the team was owned by Ross Perot, Jr.) after he assumed the coaching reins late in 1997.? Current team owner Cuban, who declined to comment on this case, bought the team in 2000; the rift began during Nelson’s stint with the Mavericks and goes back to when the team?lost point guard Steve Nash to Phoenix after the 2003-2004 season.? Before the end of the following season, Nelson turned over the coaching duties to Avery Johnson - with Cuban agreeing to pay Nelson on the final year of his contract, worth at that time around $5 million.? Fortunately, this is finally coming to an end as independent arbitrator Glenn Ashworth is scheduled to hear the case next week; depositions will take place this week in advance of the arbitration hearing.