Mavericks leaders to sign Jermaine O'Neal

The acquisition of Rajon Rondo has given the Dallas Mavericks an undeniable edge in the race to lure veteran big man Jermaine O'Neal back to the NBA, according to league sources.

O'Neal is "highly intrigued" by the idea of joining the Mavericks as a free agent in the wake of the Rondo deal.

The deal not only theoretically elevated Dallas' stock as a Western Conference contender but also left it with a need on the front line after the exit of highly regarded reserve center Brandan Wright in the trade to the Celtics.