Originally published Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM

NBA Notebook | Rick Carlisle, Mavs deal

Rick Carlisle will be the new coach of the Dallas Mavericks, a decision expected for nearly a week but slowed by contract negotiations. The papers aren't signed yet...

By The Associated Press

DALLAS — Rick Carlisle will be the new coach of the Dallas Mavericks, a decision expected for nearly a week but slowed by contract negotiations.

The papers aren't signed yet, but team owner Mark Cuban confirmed in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Friday night that a verbal deal is in place.

The contract will be signed today, with a news conference Wednesday because Cuban will be out of town until then.

Reached late Friday, Carlisle said: "Whatever Mark told you is what's going on. I'm not going to make any comments about it right now."

Carlisle, 49, was the only candidate the Mavericks interviewed after firing coach Avery Johnson the morning after their second straight first-round playoff exit.

Carlisle went 281-211 over two seasons in Detroit, then four in Indiana.

Note

• Cavaliers starting forward Ben Wallace is doubtful for Game 3 of Cleveland's playoff series against the Boston Celtics because of allergies and a left inner-ear infection.

The team said the defensive stopper could be upgraded but it was "best case, 50-50" that Wallace would play today in Game 3.

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