The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly close to signing veteran center Jermaine O'Neal, ESPN reported.

According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks are convinced that they will secure the services of O'Neal before the All-Star break next month as the free-agent center is already in the final stretch of his preparation for his comeback this season.

O'Neal, who averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 44 regular-season games with the Golden State Warriors last season, spent time with his family earlier in the season, but has been working out over the past several weeks for his eventual return and a possible title chase.

The 36-year-old center traveled to Germany earlier this month to undergo treatment in his knees, which he believes helped him have a healthy season in Golden State last year.

After undergoing treatment, the 18-year veteran hinted that he is close to returning as he posted a photo on Instagram captioned: "If you know me then you know what this means! But this is the 2nd step in a 3 step process!"

The Mavericks, who are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with their 30-15 record, are determined to shore up their frontline, particularly their center rotation in order to improve their title chances.

Tyson Chandler has been manning the paint for the Mavericks this season, and is usually backed up by rookie forward Dwight Powell, who averaged 5.8 points and 2.9 rebounds over the last eight games.

While Powell is posting decent numbers, the Mavericks still view O'Neal as a player who could push them deep into the playoffs this season. O'Neal also has ties with the Mavericks organization, having played under coach Rick Carlisle for four seasons when they were still with the Indiana Pacers.

Aside from the Mavericks, the Portland Trail Blazers are also making a strong push to sign O'Neal, who started his career in Portland when he was selected as the 17th overall pick straight from high school in the 1996 NBA Draft.

The Blazers, who are currently in third place in the West with their 32-13 record, are also in dire need for another big man. Robin Lopez is still out because of a hand injury, while LaMarcus Aldridge might eventually undergo thumb surgery if his condition does not improve.

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