The Portland Trail Blazers have joined the Dallas Mavericks in the race to acquire free-agent center Jermaine O'Neal in the hope of adding veteran presence for a possible playoff push this season.

Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Trail Blazers "have made overtures" to O'Neal about a possible deal after Portland recently lost Robin Lopez to a hand injury and Joel Freeland to a shoulder injury.

The Blazers are reportedly confident that O'Neal will strongly consider signing with them later in the season because of the veteran center's deep ties to Portland.

The Trail Blazers drafted O'Neal out of high school in 1996 and played four seasons with the team before being dealt to the Indiana Pacers, where he made his mark as one of best big men in the league.

But at this point, most analysts are still convinced that the Mavericks are the frontrunners in the race to sign the 36-year-old because O'Neal has established a home base in Dallas.

The 18-year veteran, who averaged 7.9 points to go along with 5.5 rebounds in 44 games with the Golden State Warriors last season, was also allegedly intrigued about the possibility of joining Dallas after the Mavericks struck a deal to acquire All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo.

But in a statement posted on his Twitter account, O'Neal made it clear that his decision will be based on what is best for his family and not on his ties with a city or an organization.

"My decision will not be based off any personal relationships with a city or organization which will be tuff because of the love I got for them. I've been blessed to have the opportunity to play for some great coaches, organizations, and cites and I will always have love for them. But I love my family more than I love life itself and they will have the final say on my playing career," O'Neal wrote.

The six-time NBA All-Star also said that he might retire for good if his family told him to do so, but the South Carolina native posted on his Instagram account on Monday that he underwent a knee treatment, creating speculation that he is preparing for his return later in the season.

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