Report: Mavericks hope to sign Jermaine O'Neal by the All-Star break

The Dallas Mavericks are the latest team to have interest in free-agent Jermaine O'Neal, although the Mavs, unlike the other teams, feel confident they can sign the veteran according to sources for ESPN.com.

O'Neal, who has taken the first few months of the season off for family reasons, reportedly told teams he didn't intend on signing with a club until he was closer to game shape. He recently travelled to Germany to have treatment on his knees, which he did last year before playing for Golden State.

According to the report, the Mavericks hope to sign him by the All-Star break.