Though a group led by Ross Perot Jr. is considered the
frontrunner to purchase the Mavs, Stars Owner Tom Hicks has
reportedly caught the attention of Mavs Owner Donald Carter by
$125M to Perot's $115M. Brad Townsend of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS
reports, while Perot has "a distinct chronological advantage,"
when Hicks purchased the Stars in January, "he came from behind
to do so" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/14). Meanwhile, Witt & Fisher
of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM write "money isn't the motivation"
in Carter's decision to sell. Sources point to the "Billion-
Dollar Blowoff" as proof. Eight months ago, when Carter was set
to sell his family business, Home Interiors, for $1B, he backed
off at the last minute after disagreements with the buyer (who
happened to be Hicks) over proposed personnel changes. According
to one source, "If you can walk away from a billion -- that's
with a b -- I'd say money isn't the motivation" (FT. WORTH STAR-
TELEGRAM, 4/14).
WHAT IS HIS MOTIVATION? According to Mitch Lawrence of the
N.Y. DAILY NEWS, "Carter's No. 1 reason for deciding to put the
Mavs on the block" is that he doesn't want to fire his friend,
coach Dick Motta (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/14).
