The Mavericks re-signed Bernard James to a one-year, fully guaranteed contract this summer.
But with Dallas wanting to keep the unguaranteed Charlie Villanueva instead, Mark Cuban didn’t stand in the way. The Mavericks waived James and ate his salary.
So, James signed in China, his NBA checks still coming.
Now, after Tyson Chandler injured his ankle against the Clippers on Monday, James is returning to the only NBA team he has played for since being drafted No. 33 in 2012.
James, 30, will provide depth for the time being. But Dallas really has its eye on Jermaine O’Neal – and/or Amar’e Stoudemire or any other veteran big who gets bought out.
So, the Mavericks will happily give James this 10-day deal, and if those older players aren’t ready yet, likely another.
And if Dallas’ preferred targets still aren’t ready, history says Cuban would be willing to sign James to a guaranteed rest-of-season contract and then waive him to clear a roster spot if it’d help the team.
