Mavs hoping to sign Jermaine O’Neal by the All-Star break

The Dallas Mavericks are confident they are inching closer to the eventual signing of veteran center Jermaine O'Neal, according to team sources.

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.

O'Neal averaged 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 20.1 minutes last season for the Warriors.