The recent injury to Keith Van Horn may lead Shawn Kemp into Dallas, the Seattle Times is reporting.

The Mavs petitioned the league Saturday night for a hardship exception to sign a free agent. According to the rule, at least four players would have to be injured and sidelined at least two weeks.

Devin Harris (quadriceps), Marquis Daniels (neck) and Adrian Griffin (hamstring) are also out.

Pavel Podkolzin could also be part of the injured list. The center is recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot and is essentially on a rehabilitation assignment with Fort Worth of the D-League.

Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks' president of basketball operations, hopes to get a ruling from the league today or Tuesday.

The team has checked into Kemp, the former Sonic, who retired three years ago because he was overweight. He has reportedly slimmed down in an attempt to make a comeback and met with coach Avery Johnson recently.