A source has told Eddie Sefko that the Mavericks expect to re-sign Jason Terry very quickly this summer.  Teams can begin negotiations once the clock strikes 12:00 AM on Saturday morning.

The source also said that Dirk Nowitzki's contract will be extended for three seasons soon after negotiations can begin.

Terry's new deal is expected to be in the neighborhood of Cuttino Mobley and Bobby Simmons, who signed free-agent deals last season.

Mobley's deal began at $7.2 million in the first season. Simmons' deal started at $8 million.

The Mavericks and guard Jason Terry are expected to reach an agreement quickly once teams can begin negotiating with free agents on July 1, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

Dallas is also expected to sign Dirk Nowitzki to a contract extension, locking up two of the team's vital pieces long term.

While details of the contact Terry will command are unknown, it's possible Terry's starting price on a new contract would mirror those of guards Cuttino Mobley and Bobby Simmons, who signed free-agent deals last season.

Mobley's deal began at $7.2 million in the first season. Simmons' deal started at $8 million.

Jerry Stackhouse is a free agent, but isn't necessarily interested in exploring his options outside of Dallas, as his preference his to re-sign with the Mavericks.

"Yeah, I would," he said. "I've done more here than I've done anywhere else. That says it all for me.

"It means something to have an identity with a team. We've accomplished something this year. And we've got a chance to take one more step. And that's what all players want.

"I'd love to ride off into the sunset with the old Mavericks."

A recent rumor has Mike James going to Dallas in a package for guard Marquis Daniels, but GM Bryan Colangelo wouldn't comment when reached Friday afternoon.

The Raptors have little interested in re-signing James, but will look to receive talent in return via a sign-and-trade deal.

Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki has shaved both his head and his beard to kick off his NBA offseason.

"It's summertime," Nowitzki said Thursday. "Sitting home yesterday, I was disappointed, obviously, frustrated. I had to do something."

Ratings for ABC's coverage of the Miami victory over Dallas in the NBA Finals were up 12 percent over last year's series.

The six-game average rating was an 8.5, surpassing the 7.6 the network drew for San Antonio's victory over Detroit last year. The games drew an average of 13 million viewers, 13 percent higher than last season's average of 11.5.

The 10.1 rating for Miami's series-clinching victory Tuesday night was up 15 percent from the 8.8 that Game 6 drew last year.

Jason Terry is a free agent this summer and whether or not he is re-signed will be the biggest decision the Mavericks make in the off-season.

?We?re going to do everything in our power to get back to this level,? he said. ?It?s very disappointing right now, but we still believe in each other and believe in the system. ... I?m looking forward to next season and trying to get back to the same level with the same group of guys.

"I?d love to be right back here.?

Brooding Mavericks fans looked for reasons why their team failed to win its first NBA title after taking a 2-0 lead over the Heat.

The Heat 's 95-92 victory Tuesday night gave Miami its NBA first championship.

"I paid $1,200 for these tickets, and we did not win," said Ashleigh Adams of Arlington, among dejected fans who streamed out of the American Airlines Center and made plans to drown their sorrows.

"We got the coach. We got the team. We wanted it all this year, though," said Korby Keene. "The Heat aren't that good. The refs gave them the game."

After reviewing a tape of the controversial ending of game five of the NBA Finals, the NBA ruled out the suggestion that the inbounds pass to Dwyane Wade may have been a backcourt violation.

According to Rule 4, Section VI, which deals with frontcourt/backcourt.

Replays showed that Wade leaped near midcourt to catch the ball in the air, landing with possession in the backcourt.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been fined $250,000 for several acts of misconduct following Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it was announced today by the NBA.