After Knicks’ buyout, Stoudemire agrees to join Mavericks

Amar’e Stoudemire has verbally agreed to sign a one-year contract at the veteran’s minimum to join the Dallas Mavericks for the rest of the season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

But the 6-foot-10 center/forward, a six-time All-Star, can’t formally sign the contract until he clears waivers on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Stoudemire negotiated a buyout with the New York Knicks and was waived on Monday. His addition will make a huge difference for a Mavs team that struggles with rebounding. The Mavs average 42.3 rebounds, 20th in the NBA, and are next to last in rebound differential (minus 3.6).

Stoudemire, 32, has played 13 seasons, eight with Phoenix and the past five in New York. His numbers in 36 games this season (12 points, 6.8 rebounds) fall below his career averages of 20 points and 8.2 rebounds.

In a statement released by the Knicks, Stoudemire praised the team, its owner and its fans.

Last week Chandler endorsed the Mavs’ pursuit of Stoudemire. The two were teammates from 2011 until Chandler was traded to the Mavs last June.

Stoudemire is in the final year of a five-year contract worth nearly $100 that he signed before the 2010-11 season.

This story was originally published February 16, 2015 at 10:51 PM with the headline "After Knicks’ buyout, Stoudemire agrees to join Mavericks."