this from the world-wide misleader:

Sources: Magloire, waived by Nets, could join Mavericks
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

The Dallas Mavericks appear to be tops on the list for soon-to-be free agent Jamaal Magloire, according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that the 6-11 center is strongly leaning toward signing with the Mavericks this week and that a binding decision could come as early as Tuesday, with the 29-year-old scheduled to clear waivers at 6 p.m.

Magloire was waived by New Jersey on Friday after the trading deadline passed. Although he was expected to supply the Nets with some much-needed bulk and experience on the front line, Magloire only managed to get into 24 games for the Nets, averaging a mere 1.8 points and 3.4 rebounds.

But Dallas has a fresh opening for a proven center after being forced to part with DeSagana Diop in its recent trade for Jason Kidd. Erick Dampier is the only true center left on the Mavs' roster.

After earning a surprise spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team in 2004, Magloire has struggled to stay put, lasting just one season each in Milwaukee and Portland before signing a one-year deal with the Nets last summer worth $4 million. But the recent influx of size in the Western Conference after a flurry of trades this month has apparently created a new job market for him.

"I've never seen a guy work so hard when he isn't playing," Kidd said Monday night in Dallas of Magloire, who was Kidd's teammate with the Nets as recently as a week ago.

"If that were to happen [Dallas signing Magloire], I still think he has something left in the tank."

The Mavericks are also among the playoff contenders lining up to sign veteran guard Brent Barry, who was waived last week by Seattle after the Sonics acquired Barry, Francisco Elson and a 2009 first-round pick in a swap with San Antonio for Kurt Thomas. But Phoenix, Houston, Golden State and Boston -- as well as the Spurs, who must wait 30 days to re-sign him according to league rules -- are also making a strong push for Barry.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.