The probability of swingman Devean George returning to the Mavericks next season appears to be decreasing every day.
George, a free agent, has at least a half dozen other teams interested in signing him. The Mavericks, however, only have two open roster spots left with little money to work with after signing center DeSagana Diop.
The Mavericks have the option of re-signing George for more than a minimum contract, however, because he was on their roster last season for about $2.3 million, but Mavs president Donnie Nelson isn't optimistic that they will get a deal done.
"I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope right now," Nelson said. "We're pretty far apart as far as the numbers go."
AP
Devean George has averaged 5.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in two seasons in Dallas.
George, a 6-8 guard/forward, averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 53 games last season. George, who will turn 31 years old in late August, has averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds over nine NBA seasons (the first seven with the Los Angeles Lakers).
The Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Hornets have expressed interest in George. And the NBA champion Boston Celtics could be next in line after they lost 6-8 forward James Posey in free agency.
Posey recently signed a four-year, $25 million contract with the Hornets. Posey also happens to have the same agent – Mark Bartelstein – as George.
Nelson said the Mavericks, however, are in no hurry to make a move. He said the Mavs are essentially in a "holding pattern" right now.
"We're obviously talking to a lot of teams, but we're going to be patient," Nelson said. "As far as free agency goes, we like some of the young guys who are playing for us right now in the summer league, and those are possibilities. Or if a free agent doesn't find a home, those are always conversations we have to have."
Mavs beat Iran: Gerald Green scored a team-high 15 points, and Aaron Miles added 12 points and six assists to lead the Mavericks to a 79-62 win over Iran's national team in the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league in Salt Lake City. The Mavericks trailed, 20-18, after the first quarter but outscored Iran, 51-21, over the next two quarters.
