The Dallas Mavericks reportedly are close to signing free agent Jermaine O'Neal. Dallas is optimistic about having the veteran center signed by the All-Star break in February, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein reported.
Dallas has been linked to O'Neal for sometime, and according to ESPN's latest report, they're close to signing him.
"The Dallas Mavericks are confident they are inching closer to the eventual signing of veteran center Jermaine O'Neal, according to team sources," MacMahon and Stein wrote Monday. "Sources told ESPN.com that the Mavericks - who continue to closely monitor the 36-year-old center as O'Neal works out in preparation for a comeback - hope to sign him by the All-Star break. ...
"Sources say O'Neal has made it clear to interested teams that he doesn't intend to sign anywhere until he is closer to NBA game shape."
ESPN's report also said O'Neal traveled to Germany earlier in January to undergo treatment on his knees. O'Neal credited the treatment, likely the same one Lakers star Kobe Bryant underwent at least twice in Germany, for helping him play productive minutes for the Golden State Warriors last season.
With the postseason around the corner, Dallas is looking to bolster their depth in the paint. Two positives for the Mavericks are 1) O'Neal already lives in the Dallas area, and 2) the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were once considered a top contender for the veteran, no longer need a center after trading for Timofey Mozgov.
O'Neal averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes last season with the Warriors.
