Juwan Howard Coming, Cleveland Opener, Moe Ager Extended

The Mavericks picked up some much-needed frontline help by agreeing to terms on a free-agent contract with Juwan Howard on Tuesday. The deal, however, can’t be completed until Howard clears waivers Wednesday afternoon, but both sides have agreed in principle.

Howard (6-9, 253) hit the open market after Minnesota bought out his contract Monday. He should join the Mavs on the current two-game road trip, perhaps as early as the season opener Wednesday night at Cleveland. Dallas is at Atlanta on Friday.

The power forward has averaged 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds over his 12-year career, including a stint in Dallas over parts of two seasons (2000-01 and ’01-02). He started 38 games with Houston last season, averaging 9.7 points and 5.9 rebounds.

“Juwan was too big of an opportunity to pass up,” president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson told mavs.com. “Juwan is a winner, he’s a leader and he knows the Maverick way.

“He can swing from the ‘4’ to ‘5,’ so it gives us tremendous flexibility on the frontline.”

Howard should join the rotation immediately backing up Gana Diop and Dirk Nowitzki up front. The Mavs were in need of help inside, especially with Erick Dampier out with a shoulder injury. Brandon Bass was the only other healthy big man with NBA experience on the roster.

The team made room for Howard by releasing four-year center DJ Mbenga, who recently returned from a knee injury. Mbenga (7-0, 240) played three seasons in Dallas and holds career averages of 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 79 games.

Mbenga played in 21 games last season before suffering a torn right ACL on Feb. 7. His only action of the preseason was in the finale against Chicago. Mbenga recorded five rebounds, two blocked shots and an assist in 12 minutes of action.

“DJ needs an opportunity to play and develop,” Nelson said. “We appreciate everything he’s done for us and he’s been a big part of our success. We’re hopeful that with playing time, whether it’s in the NBA or Europe, he’ll be able to join our team in the future.”

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source : NBA.com