DALLAS -- The Mavericks have until Friday to either waive Lamar Odom or find a trade partner, or the parties can mutually agree to move the deadline back. The latter is the club's preferred choice, but that has yet to happen, Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said Wednesday.

By pushing the deadline back, the Mavs would buy some time to find a suitable trade before having to waive Odom. If Dallas has no choice but to waive Odom, it will buy out his $8.2 million contract for $2.4 million, but the latter amount will count against the 2012-13 salary cap, something the Mavs desperately want to avoid.

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Tuesday that the Los Angeles Clippers have engaged the Mavs in trade talks for Odom. However, that deal could hinge on a third team taking Clippers guard Mo Williams to allow the Mavs from taking back significant salary they do not want.

"There's a lot of factors. We're working together for a win-win solution," Nelson said. "We're working with Jeff Schwartz, his agent, to get to a situation that he's comfortable playing with. This I can tell you, he will have a monster year next year, there's no question about that. Just one year too late."

Nelson also said no decision has been made on Vince Carter's situation. His contract is partially guaranteed for next season, but the team might need to move him out to clear cap space. They could also reach an agreement with Carter to move back his deadline, although that remains to be seen.