Mavericks had been interested, but they look likely to sign Stoudemire…
Veteran NBA center Jermaine O’Neal has temporarily called off his return to the league as he conceded that the time isn’t right for him to do so.
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The veteran big man made his announcement on Instagram on Monday, after insisting that he felt that the “time wasn’t right for me to play now”.
O’Neal had been expected to join the Dallas Mavericks after reports claimed that they were closely monitoring his progress as he looked to get into shape ahead of a return to the league.
However, they are now set to sign Amar’e Stoudemire after he completed a contract buy-out with the New York Knicks and will become a free agent after he clears waivers on Wednesday.
It is understood that the Stoudemire signing isn’t the reason behind O’Neal’s decision to postpone his comeback, with league sources suggesting that the Mavs are open to adding both players to their bench for the playoff push this season.
“I don’t feel like I’m at that position now with just seven weeks of training, and I’m not comfortable making that commitment at this point,” O’Neal wrote in an Instagram post.
“The issue for me is timing and things feeling right. I’m a true believer of signs and listening and understanding life.”
O’Neal averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game last season for the Golden State Warriors and has a wealth of experience to help out any team pushing for a championship this year.
However, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle conceded that they knew there were no guarantees over waiting for him, and he revealed that a foot injury last month essentially set O’Neal back in his preparations. However, it is understood that the Mavs are prepared to wait on the 36-year-old until he is in a position to return and will evaluate their situation at that time.
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