The Dallas Mavericks have had talks with Rafael Hettsheimeir but haven't made an offer to the Brazilian center, a source close the situation said Monday.

Website Basketeria.com.br (in Portuguese) reported that the Mavs have made an offer to the 6-foot0-10, 260-pounder who has been playing in Spain, similar to the path taken by San Antonio Spurs forward Tiago Splitter. The source said the Mavs have had talks with the Brazilian but reports of an offer are premature.

Basketeria.com.br reports that Hettsheimeir has drawn wide interest from NBA teams and has made visits to the United States to meet with clubs and undergo medical exams. The source said he has not visited with the Mavs.

Dallas is in the market for young, inexpensive players to fill out its stripped-down roster. And they might have an interest in big men to join Brendan Haywood, Brandan Wright and draft pick Bernard James. Free-agent backup center Ian Mahinmi appears to be headed to another team.

Other Brazilians playing in the NBA include Nene, Anderson Varejao, Leandro Barbosa and Celtics draft pick Fab Melo.