Mavericks sign veteran point guard J.J. Barea
The Dallas Mavericks have signed veteran point guard J.J. Barea, the team announced Wednesday.
Barea returns to Dallas after three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves bought out and waived Barea on Monday, and it was reported that he was looking to sign with the Mavericks, who had to clear a roster spot for him.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ESPN reports that it was a veteran's minimum deal. The Mavericks released guard Gal Mekel to make room.
Barea spent the first five years of his career in Dallas and was a member of the 2011 NBA Championship team.
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The 30-year-old averaged 8.4 points, 3.8 assists and 1.9 rebounds last season for Minnesota and has career averages of 8.3 points and 3.4 assists.
Barea's best season with Dallas came in the championship year, as he averaged what were then career highs of 9.5 points and 3.9 assists per game.
The Mavericks lost 101-100 to the Spurs in their season opener Tuesday night. Dallas plays the Jazz on Thursday.
- Molly Geary
