DALLAS – Renaldo Balkman has been pursuing a path back into the NBA, where he was once a promising Knicks 2006 first-round pick. Amid speculation that Balkman, 30, might make himself eligible for the D-League Draft, FOX Sports Southwest has learned that the Dallas Mavericks are visiting with the former South Carolina star about signing with Dallas, thus making him the property of the Mavs organization, leading to an assignment to the Texas Legends, the NBA D-League affiliate in Frisco.

Balkman appeared in 221 NBA games from 2006-12 and was in Dallas’ camp last year, earning the praise of coach Rick Carlisle for his toughness — and his tattooed eyelids.

The 6-8 forward, once the 20th overall pick, has spent recent years playing overseass and most recently appeared with the Puerto Rican National Team this past summer. Balkman is trying to recapture the promise of his rookie season, when he played in 68 games, averaging 15.6 minutes, 4.9 points, and 4.3 rebounds.

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