The Mavericks are going to hold today's flight to Los Angeles for Alan Henderson, probably the only time that will happen this year. Henderson can sign a free-agent contract at 5 p.m. when he officially clears waivers, allowing him to return to the Mavericks, who traded him Thursday to Milwaukee, which waived him on Friday. Coach and general manager Don Nelson joked about fining Henderson for the Mavericks having to hold the flight for him today. But he knows the value that the 6-10 forward/center brings. "It's good to know he's back with us," Nelson said. "We missed him. You always need role players on a good team, and he's a good one." Henderson did not return phone calls Monday evening, but everybody in the Mavericks' camp said the team had an agreement in principle with Henderson. "It's not a done deal until it's signed," Nelson said. "But we've reached an agreement with him. He says he's coming." The pending return of Henderson means the Mavericks traded Calvin Booth to get Keith Van Horn. "I've always liked it [the trade]," Nelson said. "But now it's a blockbuster. It's one of the best trades I've ever made, and I've made some good ones. To have a guy that good who is a backup is a strong thing for any good team." Van Horn said he understands why fans were skeptical about the trade before it was known that Henderson would return. "I knew he was a big part of their success when he was here," Van Horn said. "I'm glad it worked out."
