Nelson Seems Set To Settle In As Mavs’ Gm

Around the NBA

Don Nelson, living off New York Knicks money in Maui since being fired last March, is on the verge of ending his R&R and becoming the Dallas Mavericks’ general manager, several league sources said Thursday.

Nelson is expected to accept the Mavs’ offer “any day now,” said a person close to Nelson. “He’s got a deal. They want him and he wants the job. Unless something bizarre happens, he’s definitely taking it.”

Nelson, 56, already has told confidants that he plans on a major housecleaning when he takes over Dallas’ struggling franchise. He is expected to get a four-year, $6 million deal. After being fired by the Knicks only 59 games into his first season, he reached a settlement with the team for $3.3 million.

Nelson had his second interview for the Mavs’ GM job Wednesday. According to one person with knowledge of the talks, both parties came away satisfied that they had a marriage. Even before that, though, Nelson was calling friends about where to buy a house in the Dallas area.

A Mavs official said an announcement could be in the offing. Nelson was en route to Cleveland for All-Star Weekend, where he is expected to get involved in trade talks and wasn’t available for comment.

Around the league

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Jayson Williams has reconsidered his decision to have probable season-ending surgery on his right thumb and decided to keep playing for the New Jersey Nets.

Guard Clyde Drexler, who withdrew from the All-Star Game because of a hamstring injury, was placed on the injured list by the Houston Rockets.