Cuban can't fault Whiteside, Batum for taking more money elsewhere

Even though the Dallas Mavericks whiffed on signing two marquee unrestricted free agents in Hassan Whiteside and Nicolas Batum, team owner Mark Cuban understands why the two have elected to stay with their respective squads.

"Both guys went for more money. Can't fault them for that," Cuban said on Friday, according to Mavericks beat writer Eddie Sefko.

Whiteside revealed in a piece for The Player's Tribune that he will be returning to the Miami Heat on a reported four-year max contract worth approximately $98 million. Miami was able to offer the 27-year-old big man more money than he could get elsewhere, both in annual raises and overall scale, by possessing his Early Bird rights, despite not being able to add a fifth year.

The same goes for Batum, although the Hornets had his full Bird rights, meaning they could offer a fifth year on the contract. His deal is reportedly worth $120 million over five seasons with a player option in the fifth year.

All hope isn't lost for the Mavericks in free agency, though, as the team still has their eyes on point guard Mike Conley, who reportedly has Dallas on his radar as well.