Donnie Nelson on trade market: 'We've got a couple of attractive situations'

Three contenders acquired impact players in salary dumps this week, with Richard Jefferson going to the Spurs, Shaquille O'Neal going to the Suns and Vince Carter going to the Magic. The Mavericks, who have been shopping Jerry Stackhouse (buyout) and Erick Dampier (expiring contract) to cost-cutting teams, remain optimistic that they'll be able to put together a similar blockbuster. Just be patient. Don't expect the Mavs to make a major deal tonight. Donnie Nelson indicated it's much more likely to happen after free agency begins July 1. It doesn't appear that the Mavs were interested in Jefferson or Shaq. They probably would have pounced on the chance to add Carter, but the Nets got a decent point guard (Rafer Alston) and quality young player (Courtney Lee) in that deal. That leaves the Mavs continuing to burn cell phone minutes. "We've got a couple of attractive situations," Nelson said. "Obviously to get you've got to give. ... There's still quite a bit of dialogue out there. We're hopeful that we can take advantage." It just won't happen tonight, when the Mavs' best hope is to add a player who can crack the rotation as a rookie.