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06:46 AM ET 01.20 | As the NBA trading deadline of Feb. 19 approaches, the fine line between fact and gossip often becomes blurred. Yet, despite gossip, trades sometimes become reality or as Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said, "You never know." Since Cuban stated 15 months ago that Dirk Nowitzki is untouchable, the watch has begun in some quarters on exactly when Nowitzki might be traded, because gossip is bound by no rules. After the Mavericks' first-round exit last season, Nowitzki even said that he wasn't sure of his future in Dallas. Cuban said Monday that nothing has changed, although he did leave himself an out. "If I could trade Dirk for Kobe [Bryant], LeBron [James] and someone else, you'd have to consider it," Cuban said. Barring that sort of fantasy, Cuban nodded when asked if Nowitzki was still untouchable. Cuban said the Mavericks are getting inquiries on players, but other than the recent deal with Charlotte, nothing has been tempting.