Veteran center Evan Eschmeyer, re-acquired in an off-season trade with Golden State, likely will decide in the next week if his injured left knee will force him to retire, according to his agent. Eschmeyer, out all of last season, has little cartilage in the knee.

"He's been rehabbing for two years, " agent Mark Bartelstein said Wednesday. "He still wants to play. It's a matter of whether his body is able to do it."

If Eschmeyer does retire, the roster is reduced to 16 players. The team can only carry 15 into the regular season. If the Mavs can reach a buyout agreement with Tariq Abdul-Wahad, reserve point guard Dan Dickau could make the team.