Nelson says Mavericks will be busy this summer

[cruzg24]

While the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets have made moves to improve themselves to contend with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks have been quiet. However, president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said the team has been working behind the scenes.

"Wait," said Nelson. "One shouldn't confuse silence with inactivity. We're prepared for a very active summer."

Just because Vince Carter(notes), Richard Jefferson(notes) and Shaquille O'Neal(notes) have moved to contending teams doesn't mean the Mavericks won't be able to find just as much of a helper, according to the Dallas Morning News.

It will almost certainly have to be a trade of some sort, with Stackhouse's $7 million contract, which can be bought out for $2 million, and Erick Dampier's(notes) expiring $11 million deal as the primary trade chips.

As far as straight free agency goes, this summer will not be the frenzy it's going to be in 2010. But can the Mavericks afford to wait a full year to make their big play for help for Dirk Nowitzki(notes)?

Source: Dallas Morning News

We'll make a move soon. I think we should sign Artest, that would bring some grittiness and toughness to this team that we lack. Just going to have to wait and see what happens, but we will make a splash of our own.