Brandon Bass, a 6-foot-8 power forward who didn't stick with the Hornets after two seasons, joined the Mavericks' summer league team and now looks to become the club's first free-agent signing.
The 33rd pick out of LSU in the 2005 draft, Bass has agreed in principle to a two-year contract with the Mavs, his agent Derek Lafayette said Tuesday.
Lafayette, who would not disclose the financial terms of the deal, said the contract should be completed before the end of the week. Bass made $644,209 last season. The Mavs would likely dip into their $1.83 million bi-annual exception to sign Bass.
Bass, 22, is a restricted free agent so the Hornets can match any offer. But because the team did not invite Bass to play on its summer team, Lafayette said he doesn't expect the Hornets to match.
The signing could put Pops Mensah-Bonsu's future with the Mavs in some doubt. The Mavs have until Aug. 31 to release him or extend the 6-9 power forward's contract for next season.
In four games at the Las Vegas Summer League, the 240-pound Bass averaged 14.8 points and 6.2 rebounds. In two games last week at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City, he averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds.
"One of the assets that he possesses is he has a good work ethic," Lafayette said. "The Mavs gave him an opportunity to play and not worry about making mistakes and that helped him play at a more consistent level."
Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson was not available for comment.
Bass played just 21 games for the Hornets last season, logging 7.7 minutes and averaging two points and two rebounds.
Also apparently in the Mavs' plans for next season is reserve point guard J.J. Barea.
The Mavs have until August 1 to release him or exercise their option for a second season. Barea played in 33 games as an undrafted rookie and in eight games in the NBDL he averaged 27.2 points and 7.8 assists.
In five games this summer in Las Vegas, Barea averaged 14.4 points on 53.1 percent shooting, 6.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds. In two more games in last week’s Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City, Barea averaged 16.0 points and 7.0 assists. "My belief is the Mavericks are very pleased with what he did last year and how far he's come this year," Barea's agent Richard Katz said Monday. "I don't think it's going to be an issue."
If Bass and Barea become permanent, two spots would remain on the 15-man roster with unsigned draft picks Nick Fazekas and Reyshawn Terry, plus Mensah-Bonsu in competition.
The club also continues to pursue players in a dwindling free-agent market.
Assuming the Mavs don't use any of their mid-level exception to sign Bass, they would still have the full $5.36 million to spend on one or more free agents.
Bass has alot of raw talent. He and Big Baby were monsters in the SEC together. But with his little court time its hard to tell if he was just one of those good college players and nothing more or if he can do something in the NBA
Pops was a one trick pony. I remember seeing this guy in a couple of college games. His size is a concern but he had an okay mid range in college and will make for a nice hustle player.
I don't think he got a chance to play much with the Hornets. I think he'll end up being a very solid backup. If given a decent amount of minutes he'll give the Mavs 9-10 ppg, and 7-8 rpg. I'm pretty biased on this though, I'm an LSU student.
The opportunity is there for him at the moment. I hope they give him a good look in training camp. If the roster stands as it is now, he and Faz are candidates to be backup pf, unless Avery wants to go small with George.
And Dirty, I'm an LSU man myself. Though from many years ago. Another reason why I wanted Davis instead of Fazekas.
The opportunity is there for him at the moment. I hope they give him a good look in training camp. If the roster stands as it is now, he and Faz are candidates to be backup pf, unless Avery wants to go small with George.
And Dirty, I'm an LSU man myself. Though from many years ago. Another reason why I wanted Davis instead of Fazekas.
I was shouting at the TV when we passed on Big Baby.
Mavs sign Brandon Bass
