NBA Rumors tie Shaq to Dallas

But the Mavericks have deflected the rumors -- so far.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
DALLAS -- Like it or not, the Mavericks will be linked to Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal until the big fella is traded somewhere or makes peace with his current employers.
Ever since June 18, when O'Neal demanded a trade from the Lakers, the Mavs have been the top candidate to acquire his services. But body language from Mavs management suggests that obtaining O'Neal is the furthest thing from their minds, especially if it takes Dirk Nowitzki to seal the deal.
"Until [O'Neal] either re-signs or finds new destinations, I just think [rumor] is the nature of our business," said Donnie Nelson, president of basketball operations for the Mavericks. "There's going to be speculation ... but I wouldn't read much into anything. We really like our team, but at the same time, if there's an opportunity for us to take a quantum leap in our quest for the title, then we've got to look hard at it."
While avoiding direct questions about O'Neal, coach Don Nelson said he's satisfied with the team he has put together. That includes the additions of rookies Devin Harris and Pavel Podkolzine, who were in town Friday for a news conference.
Both players were acquired Thursday in draft-day trades. Harris came from the Washington Wizards, who made him the No. 5 pick, and the Utah Jazz drafted Podkolzine at No. 21.
"I don't expect maybe as much as you do with all this [O'Neal] talk going on," Don Nelson said. "I have to plan for next year, and when I look at this roster, I like it."
Harris is expected to play behind Nash at point guard, and that's fine with him.
"I can be patient, especially with a guy like Steve Nash," Harris said. "He's got a lot of repertoire to his game."
Podkolzine is 7-foot-5 and looks like a tree trunk, but is likely years from reaching his potential because he started playing basketball only four years ago.
"I'm so happy to be here," Podkolzine said. "Now I'm ready to go to work with Donnie."
The lingering question is, by the time next season starts, will it be Podkolzine working with the Nelsons, or will it be O'Neal? At this point, no one knows for sure.
"It's fair to say that we're willing to do whatever it takes to bring a championship trophy to Dallas," Don Nelson said. "But we like our team.
"That being said, obviously you've got to answer phones and you've got to put yourself in a position to be active in the marketplace."