The Mavericks are prepared to offer Steve Nash a two-year deal if they are unable to secure Deron Williams, according to sources.

Nash played several seasons with the Mavericks until signing with the Suns in the summer of 2004. Nash and Dirk Nowitzki remain close friends.

"Everyone knows they're going to go after Deron Williams," said Nash. "He's a terrific player, a lot younger than I am, and that'd be the smart thing for them to do. But if they don't get him, maybe I'll be a candidate there as well. It's a great city. It's one that obviously I have a history with and an affinity and affection for, so it's another opportunity different from Toronto but one that's exciting and has some great facets to it as well."

Nash sees the circumstances of his 2004 exit as being irrelevant in considering a return.

"That's so far in the past. For me that's not really a factor."