Chris

Mills

The Mavs weren’t counting on Mills contributing when they acquired him from the Warriors. They’ll just stash him on their injured list for the entire season.

Assistant GM Keith Grant said, ''The ankle has not responded and surgery is an option.’' If Mills has the operation, he could miss up to four months.

Mills may need surgery on his ankle. Utah’s thinking is to rid Dallas of Mills’ large contract by using their available cap space. Insurance would pay 80 percent of Mills’ contract if he is unable to play, the Jazz could take the contract and probably enough cash from Dallas to pay the remaining 20 percent, pay out nothing, and accept a draft pick or two for their trouble. Then they would simply waive the 10-year veteran. If Mills’ medical reports show that he might play this year, Utah wouldn’t do the deal. A trade could still be weeks away.

Mills came to Atlanta for salary reasons in the three-way trade with Boston and Detroit. He’s out for the season with a foot injury.

Mills said he does not expect to play Friday or Sunday, but has not ruled out returning for the four-game road trip that begins Tuesday in Cleveland.

President of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said there was probably no more than a ‘’20-percent chance’’ that the Mavericks would be able to move out Mills. If Mills stays, he probably will spend much of the season on the injured list.

Mills isn’t on the IL, but hasn’t played since March 9.

Mills is probably headed for season-ending ankle surgery, which is actually what gives him trade value. Insurance will pay much of his contract, while the Celtics end up with a No. 1 pick from the Mavs next year for the part they will have to pay. Once Mills is confirmed to be out for the season, expect the Celtics to buy him out and waive him.