After losing the Dwight Howard race to the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks appear to be close to signing free-agent forward DeJuan Blair, according to an ESPN report.

The report is saying that the deal appears "promising," and the former San Antonio Spurs big could join the Mavs frontcourt to provide support for All-Star Dirk Nowitzki.

The deal is expected to be a one-year contract at the league minimum $1.4 million, but has not yet been officially announced.

Blair averaged a career-low five points and four rebounds last season for San Antonio, playing in just 61 contests at 15 minutes per game. After being drafted by the Spurs despite questions about his knee, Blair showed early promise with his hustle and strength, but never developed much of a game in San Antonio on either end of the ball.

Although the Mavericks are restricted to offering minimum contracts, they continue to hold out hope that they'll be able to sign Greg Oden as well.

Oden was the top overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft out of Ohio State and has battled numerous knee injuries and hasn't played in the NBA since Dec. 5, 2009. He is coming off his third microfracture knee surgery in February 2012.

Oden has averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 82 career games and has been working out in both Columbus and Indianapolis this past offseason.

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