The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed free agent center DeSagana Diop. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Diop (7-0, 280) joins the Mavericks for a second stint after being traded to the New Jersey Nets last February in a deal that brought Jason Kidd, Antoine Wright and Malik Allen to Dallas. Diop, who was originally acquired by the Mavericks via free agency on Aug. 19, 2005, played in 214 games (72 starts) for Dallas and averaged 2.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.50 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game.

The Dakar, Senegal native spent his first four seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being selected by Cleveland in the first round (eighth pick overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 2.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.19 blocks in 434 games.

A former high school standout, Diop attended basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. As a senior at Oak Hill, Diop was named USA Today Virginia Player of the Year while leading his squad to a 33-0 record and a No. 1 national ranking. Diop declared eligibility for the 2000 NBA Draft after his senior campaign where he averaged 14.6 points, 13.2 rebounds and 8.0 blocks per game while shooting better than 60 percent from the floor.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Gana back into the Mavericks family," President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Donnie Nelson said. "At the age of 26, he is a young center in his prime that also possesses significant playoff experience. He was a big part of our Finals run with his ability to defend, block shots and rebound. We are pleased to regain is presence both in the paint and in the locker room."