NBA NEWS

Mavs, Nelson near deal

The Sports Xchange

July 24, 2014 at 2:10 pm.

The Dallas Mavericks are close to signing former Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson, according to multiple reports Thursday.

Sources told ESPN.com that Nelson and the Mavericks are on track to formalize a contract Thursday when Nelson visits Dallas.

The Dallas Morning News reported the 6-foot Nelson is expected to take a physical and, if everything is in order, sign with the Mavs for their cap-room exception of $2.7 million.

Dallas has been in the market for another veteran floor leader help fill the void created by Jose Calderon’s exit in June. The Mavericks had to part with Calderon to reacquire center Tyson Chandler in a trade with the New York Knicks.

Nelson has spent all 10 years of his career with Orlando. Nelson, the 20th pick of the 2004 draft, averaged 12.1 points, 7.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds last season in 68 games with the Magic. He is a career 37.4 percent 3-point shooter.

Nelson is expected to compete with fellow veterans Raymond Felton and Devin Harris for the starting point guard spot. Harris is the projected starter after landing a four-year deal worth more than $16 million this month.