Mason, a free-agent all-star forward, remained unsigned Wednesday because of contractual details. Mason and the Bucks apparently have an agreement in principle on a four-year, $20.88 million deal in which a substantial portion of the money is to be deferred, but the contract hasn't been released by the lawyers.

"They're important details, but nothing we can't work out," said Don Cronson, Mason's New York-based agent. "We made great progress today."

If Mason signs today, he would still have to pass his physical in Milwaukee. The earliest he could join the team would be Friday, when the Bucks play their final exhibition game, against Golden State in Los Angeles.

Assuming Mason doesn't play against the Warriors, his crash course would be administered Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Las Vegas, where the Bucks will complete training camp. The Bucks are counting on Mason to play 30-35 minutes per night as a starter, and they'd prefer that role to begin on opening night against the Jazz.