Tim Thomas, who was waived by the Mavericks on Tuesday, says he's not retiring from the NBA, but just taking a year off to help take care of his wife.

"I'm definitely planning on being back next year," Thomas said. "The situation is that my wife has a few things that she has to take care of. Just the timing was bad. I don't want people to think she's on her deathbed or anything like that. She had some things to take care of and she just wanted me to be home when she had to go through them." The big question is whether anyone will want to sign him next year or not.

Tim Thomas will not play for the Mavericks this season, instead tending to his ailing wife. The 13-year veteran may be considering retirement.

The Mavericks are apparently working with the league to void the contract Thomas signed last month. His departure leaves them a bit thin behind Dirk Nowitzki -- they could give Ian Mahinmi more minutes and/or sign another marginal big man.

Tim Thomas has officially re-joined the Dallas Mavericks after signing a contract on Tuesday.

Thomas signed a one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum of $1.35 million, leaving the Mavs with one additional roster spot available. He played in just 18 games last season before leaving to care for his wife, who was stricken by a still-undisclosed illness. The 14-year veteran will be a presence off the bench, but there's almost no way he'll be worth owning in fantasy leagues, even if you play in a 30-team league.

Tim Thomas has passed his physical and should finalize a one-year contract with the Mavericks on Tuesday, according to his agent.

The Mavs added Tyson Chandler this summer, a potentially crucial move, but otherwise they've settled for a few minor tweaks. Bringing back Thomas helps fill a void at backup PF, but he won't have fantasy appeal while Dirk is healthy.

The Mavs agreed to a one-year deal with PF Tim Thomas on Wednesday, which will be signed on Thursday pending the completion of a physical.

He will backup Dirk Nowitzki, but unless the Diggler gets hurt there won't be much use for Thomas in fantasy leagues.

Tim Thomas and the Mavericks are expected to agree on a one-year contract when the two sides meet on Wednesday.

This has been a foregone conclusion for a while now, and Thomas, who only played in 18 games last year, will sign for the veteran's minimum. He will backup Dirk Nowitzki at PF, an area of need for Dallas.

Free agent forward Tim Thomas is negotiating toward a deal that would keep him with the Mavericks next season.

Thomas missed most of last season to take care of his ill wife, after being granted a leave of absence by Dallas. Nothing has been finalized, but Dallas does have two roster spots open and a need for frontcourt depth.