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Source: Vince Carter returns to Mavs

Vince Carter spent Saturday playing in Dirk Nowitzki's Heroes Celebrity baseball game, and it appears he could spend the 2012-13 season with Nowitzki as well.

The Dallas Mavericks have exercised their option on Carter's full $3.1 million salary, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Saturday was the deadline to either go all in or buy out the 35-year-old swingman at a reduced rate.

Carter signed a three-year deal with the Mavs last December with the final two years partially guaranteed. He could still be included in a trade later to clear cap space.

Carter, who will be entering his 15th year, started 40 of 61 games last season at shooting guard and also saw time at small forward. He averaged 10.1 points and 3.3 rebounds.

Carter shot 41.1 percent from the floor and his 36.1-percent shooting from 3-point range ranked third on the team.

Carter said he enjoyed his one season in Dallas and wanted to return.

"Absolutely and they know that," Carter said. "When you establish something you don't want to get moved."

The Mavericks also have interest in free agent shooting guard Brandon Roy and the feeling is mutual, a source with knowledge of the player's thinking confirmed Saturday.

Roy has a list of five finalists, according to a Yahoo! Sports report earlier Saturday. According to the report, the finalists include the Mavs, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Roy and his agent plan to meet with representatives from those teams this coming week, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Roy, 27, who has been plagued by knee injuries, decided to retire after the 2011-12 season. But, he has undergone the platelet-rich plasma therapy that helped Kobe Bryant and wants to make a comeback.