Dallas and Orlando had exploratory talks last week regarding Dwight Howard and "will probably talk again,'' Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson confirmed.

Terms of a potential deal have not moved beyond the preliminary stage.

"There's just not much there,'' Nelson said.

One source indicated the Mavericks are holding out hope that Howard stays in Orlando through next season, or goes to Houston as a one-year rental.

Dallas could have enough cap space next summer to sign Howard to a max-level deal.