Don Nelson, who recently resigned as coach...

Don Nelson, who recently resigned as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, has emerged as the leading candidate to become coach of the Dallas Mavericks after a conference between Maverick owner Don Carter and general manager Norm Sonju, team officials said.

A club spokesperson said Carter will contact Buck owner Herb Kohl today to obtain permission to interview Nelson.

Dick Motta, the only coach in the seven-year history of the Dallas franchise, resigned unexpectedly last week.

Kohl has already said he would give the Mavericks permission to talk with Nelson, who has said he will not coach for Milwaukee next season because of differences with Kohl.

Kohl has also indicated he would require compensation in the form of a top player or No. 1 draft choice, or both, for Nelson, who has two years remaining on his contract with Milwaukee.