Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Dallas Mavericks are currently one of two teams vying for the services of free agent swingman Rashard Lewis. After receiving a whirlwind tour of the Dallas area and recruiting pitches from Michael Finley and Steve Nash, Rashard Lewis was impressed. While he didn?t promise anything, he definitely likes the Mavericks.

It's probably going to be between Seattle and Dallas," Lewis said. "The Mavericks have a real chance just because of the way they treated me and my family. Everything was first class."

Lewis is discontent with the offers coming from the Supersonics and is looking for other options. Mavs owner Mark Cuban believes Lewis is sincere when he says he?s interested in Dallas. He doesn?t think of this as a negotiation ploy to raise Seattle?s offer.

"I don't think Rashard's that type of guy," Cuban said. "I know he's very serious. This is his chance to play close to home and be near his family [in Houston]. Seattle had every chance to do something before he got here."

Cuban also acknowledges that his team is a long shot to sign Lewis. It?s unrealistic to expect a guy to accept a 3-year, $15 million contract if Seattle is offering $60 or $70 million. Especially considering Lewis turned down a six-year offer in the $50 million range from Toronto in the summer of 2000 to stay in Seattle on the promise of future riches.

"[History] is going to make it harder to do that again, but I think I'm going to do what's best for me and go where I feel most comfortable," Lewis said. "There are only three elite teams in the league ? Dallas, Sacramento and the Lakers. I think I'm the missing piece to their [Dallas'] puzzle."