Donnie Nelson Quotations

He's a big guy who can rebound and defend, and he's got a lot of playoff experience.

He's a special talent. I don't know many people in the NBA who can stroke it like he does. And he's a guy with an absolutely huge heart.

Just what he's meant on and off the court, he's impacted everyone from fans to the front office. Ultimately, it's our responsibility to do what's in the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, but Michael has a special place in Mark's heart, my heart, and a special place in the franchise. At the end of the day, this just feels right.

Michael has played a huge role in rebuilding this franchise and taking it to where it is today.

We're trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. With what Mike's meant to this franchise for many years, he deserves it.

We've had people in meetings all day to discuss the best ways to assist with the efforts. Just to be in a position to help makes you feel blessed.

Within his chubby young body, the skills were still there. He was just a baby when he got into the league. He clearly got behind the 8-ball because of a combination of being too young and not understanding things, and he got depressed. When a big guy like that gets depressed, it often shows itself in the fridge.

The West just got tougher. This is a product of free agency. We're big boys. We understand that.

This has been a very difficult process for all of us. Michael has played a huge role in rebuilding this franchise and taking it to where it is today. ... We thank him and wish him nothing but the best.

This is the hardest part of our business. We were trying to come up with some creative ways to still have financial freedom and somehow keep Mike. There was no way around the situation. ... There's no question that it's been a very difficult process for the franchise.

This is the hardest part of our business. Mike and I started out in Phoenix together, got reunited here and obviously he was a key part in rebuilding this franchise. ... To share memories like that, it's been a very difficult several weeks for this franchise.

It's funny because they've almost become one soul out there. People refer to our center position as if it's Bonnie and Clyde.

I just didn't know he was going to be this good, this fast.