With his team's dissappointing first round exit from this year's NBA playoffs, Mavericks forward Antonie Walker knows he will be on the block this summer but not necessarily because of his play.

Walker is scheduled to make $14.6 million in 2004-05 and will be in the final year of his contract, which is a very valuable asset to many teams.

It is speculated that the Mavericks will use Walker and his large expiring contract to acquire a much needed inside presense.

Walker knows this is a very real possibility and if the Mavericks are going to deal him, he would like to know sooner rather than later.

"My first preference or choice will be to stay here with the Mavericks. But I know a lot of teams are going to call, and not necessarily to sign me but because I will come off the cap at a high number. I'm very aware of the business and what comes along with it."

"I'll be prepared for it," Walker said. "Hopefully, if I am traded, they can get something done and I'll know where I'm going in July, not October 20th like last year."