Earlier this summer, Eddie Jones questioned whether he wanted to put himself through another NBA season.

The answer came to him maybe three minutes later, Jones said. In a word, yes.

The decision was easy because of an elusive goal. Twice, the teams he left captured NBA titles the next season: the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000 and the Miami Heat in 2006.

"I want to win," Jones said Monday after signing a two-year contract with the Mavericks at the team's offices. "That's what this is all about. That's the reason I want to play another year.

"I want one [title]. I missed out on two ... always a year after. I just want one and say I've won a championship in my 14-year NBA career."

The same motivation prompted Jones to sign with Dallas for the team's biannual exception of $1.83 million next year.

He said he was given no promises by coach Avery Johnson. If anything, the Mavericks have a logjam at shooting guard and small forward with Jones, Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George, Greg Buckner and Maurice Ager.

Jones said he's willing to do whatever the Mavericks need, whether it's providing an outside threat or taking a difficult defensive matchup.

AP

The Miami Heat captured the NBA title in 2006, the season after Eddie Jones left.

In some ways, it's an extension of what San Antonio has successfully done over the years with veterans such as Robert Horry, Steve Kerr, Brent Barry and Michael Finley.

Jones' confidence remains high at age 35.

"Without a doubt, over my career, I always came in and made big shots and big plays when big plays needed to be made," Jones said, noting that he played against Johnson "He's seen the things I can do."

Jones averaged a career-low 7.7 points last season with Memphis and Miami, in part because of Achilles' tendon problems. He said the injury improved after he finally rested. He doesn't believe it will be a problem this season.

Still hunting: The Mavericks remained in pursuit of unrestricted free-agent big men Chris Webber and P.J. Brown with the team's $5.3 million mid-level exception. Webber has said his top choices are the Mavericks and Detroit.

The Mavericks are one of about four or five contenders seriously courting Brown, agent Mark Bartelstein said. Brown, 37, still hasn't decided whether he wants to play next season, Bartelstein said. Bartelstein declined to set a timetable.

Helping the cause: Devin Harris and Seagoville product LaMarcus Aldridge of Portland were among 10 NBA players selected to prepare the U.S. men's basketball team for the FIBA Americas Championship. The young players will scrimmage the national team from Aug. 15-20 in Las Vegas.