A dispute over money that Don Nelson believes the Mavericks owe him from the previous ownership looks as though it will be to arbitration after an attempt to settle the situation on Monday failed, the Dallas Morning-News is reporting.

"We're not sure what Cuban's legal reasons are going to be as to why he doesn't have to pay an employee wages he's already earned," said John O'Connor, Nelson's attorney. "It's clearly not going to settle and is headed to arbitration."

Asked what Cuban's basis is for fighting in court, O'Connor said, "In this instance, I can't figure out what it is."