The Mavericks believe they are in the race to land LeBron James when he becomes a free agent on July 1, but a source told ESPN's Marc Stein that they are no more than a "dark, dark horse" in the sweepstakes.

Dallas has a first objective of re-signing Dirk Nowitzki when free agency begins at midnight on July 1.

The Mavericks would have to land James via sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers.