DALLAS - An eight-player trade is in the works that will send Nick Van Exel from the Mavericks to Golden State for Antawn Jamison.
The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Friday night that Chris Mills, Danny Fortson and Jiri Welsch also will go to Dallas as part of the deal. Avery Johnson, Evan Eschmeyer and Popeye Jones would join Van Exel in going to Golden State.
Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson did not confirm the deal, but told the Star-Telegram: "Things are getting interesting. There are a couple situations that are moving along nicely."
While the teams agreed to the deal Friday, until the NBA approves - its league offices reopen Monday - either could back out. Or another team could intervene with a better offer.
KINGS: Guard Anthony Peeler, an 11-year veteran who spent the past 51/2 seasons with Minnesota, signed.
LAKERS: The Los Angeles Times reported that coach Phil Jackson and the Lakers are expected to complete a two-year extension next week.
TRAIL BLAZERS: The team terminated Arvydas Sabonis' contract, after the 7-foot-3 center said this week that he intended to retire. The Blazers had hoped to trade the 38-year-old Sabonis by Friday, when his contract no longer was guaranteed. Sabonis was scheduled to make $7-million during the 2003-04 season, which would have given teams willing to trade for him some salary cap relief after his retirement.
SACRAMENTO 75, DETROIT 63: Tangela Smith had 20 points and eight rebounds to lead the host Monarchs, who moved into a tie with Minnesota for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
PHOENIX 64, SEATTLE 50: Tamicha Jackson scored 20 and Anna DeForge added 19 as the host Mercury snapped a three-game losing streak.
GAMES RESCHEDULED: Makeup dates were announced for two games that were postponed Thursday night because of the blackout in the Northeast. Houston visits New York on Monday night at 7:30, and Cleveland hosts Connecticut on Tuesday at 7.
