The Desert News reports that Jazz free agent is close to signing with the Dallas Mavericks, according to a Jazz source who called the Mavs' signing of the former University of Kansas star "imminent."

Eric Karabell of ESPN writes that -- behind Finley, Nowitzki and Nash -- the Mavs are good, but that their softness underneath (Bradley, Zhizhi, J. Howard and Booth) will cause them trouble in taking it up a notch.

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News writes of the unfortunate predicament of the Heat and Mavs, who play in American Airlines Arena and American Airlines Center, respectively.  Despite the potential confusion in names, the two arenas are otherwise completely different in style.

Dirk Nowitzki and his agent, Holger Geschwindner, have yet to be contacted by the Mavs regarding an extension, despite numerous assertions by Mark Cuban that one would be offered before the 10/31 deadline, reports Dwain Price of the Dallas Star Telegram.  Cuban has said that he will offer the maximum salary in an extension that he can, which would be between $90 and $95 million.  Mr. Geschwindner is concerned that a deal won't get done before the deadline.

The Chicago Daily Southtown is reporting that the Bulls are still an option for Illinios-native Tim Hardaway, with Dallas and Miami also possibilites.  While his annual basketball camp at the University of Illinois-Chicago came to a close last week, Hardaway chose to remain in the area this week.  However, it was Hardaway's agent Henry Thomas who suggested that this move had no meaning.  "I wouldn't say that any team has the inside track at this point," Thomas said. "There still are a number of variables involved."

Thomas said a decision by Hardaway on where he will be playing the upcoming season could be announced as early as today.  Hardaway could either be a starter for the Bulls, who seem to be divided on whether or not to acquire the guard, or take a reduced role off the bench for Miami or Dallas.

Mark Cuban, who is dealing with free agents this offseason for the Mavs, has shifted his priorities in free agent signings, reports Jodie Valade of the Dallas Morning News.  Cuban says he is not going to try to get the biggest name, but rather will try to find guys who can fit into the puzzle.  As a result, his list of FA targets has shifted, especially with the signing of defensive swingman Adrian Griffin, to: Danny Manning, Danny Ferry, Shandon Anderson and Moochie Norris.  Cuban still hopes to use the midlevel exception to acquire two free agents.  He also no longer feels inclined to satisfy Howard Eisley's trade request, so you can expect him in a Mavs uniform if the right trade doesn't come around.  The aversion to big names does not apply to Tim Hardaway, however, whom Cuban still wants.  Cuban wants to employ a trade exception so that Hardaway can be paid more than $4.5 million, even though he'd be willing to sign for less.

Dwain Price of the Dallas Star-Telegram reports that Adrian Griffin's signing is official.  He will make $1,203,285 over 2 years.

Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle times reports: The next time Ruben Patterson returns to Seattle, the fourth-year player expects to be on the court as an opponent.

"I can't see myself coming back there," Patterson said yesterday, speaking from Columbus, Ohio, where he rents an apartment. "Seattle is a wonderful city. I love the fans there. They were great to me, and I'm going to miss that. But I can't see myself coming back there. My wife doesn't feel comfortable. And my kids won't want to come back there. We just have to move on and start a new life."

Patterson envisions his return taking place Jan. 11, when Cleveland make its sole visit to KeyArena, or Jan. 29, when Portland comes to town.

Cleveland, Dallas and Portland are among several teams that have shown interest in Patterson via a sign-and-trade deal. But Patterson must agree to the deal and strongly prefers Cleveland or Portland.

Chris Tomasson of the Akron Beacon-Journal writes that the Cavs and Sonics are waiting to see who blinks first in the battle over Ruben Patterson. Patterson is a restricted free agent, meaning the SuperSonics have 15 days to match any offer for him and that a ``sign-and-trade deal'' likely would have to be arranged to get him. The Cavs desperately want Patterson. Patterson, a Cleveland native, very much wants to return home.

The Sonics are waiting for a good trade offer from the Cavs, the Cavs are waiting for the Sonics to get desperate. The longer it takes Seattle to remedy the Patterson situation, the longer it takes for them to concentrate on Dallas free agent Calvin Booth.