Drew Gooden to Sign With Dallas Mavericks

Gooden Makes Announcement Via Twitter Account

Jul 26, 2009

The Dallas Mavericks just got a little stronger and improved their chances of contending for an NBA title. Forward Drew Gooden announced he will be signing with the team.

Early this morning, Gooden logged onto his Twitter account and wrote, "Dallas here I come." Gooden provided a heads-up to his online followers on Friday that sometime this weekend he would be making a decision regarding which team he would play for next.

Drew Gooden's Contract With the Dallas Mavericks

NBA sources revealed that Gooden's contract with Dallas is a one year deal, believed to be worth $4.5 million. Along with incentives, Gooden could earn in excess of $5 million by the time the season comes to an end.

Earlier this Summer, the Dallas Mavericks made a contract offer to Orlando Magic restricted free agent Marcin Gortat. Orlando's General Manager, Otis Smith, matched the deal for his backup center on the day of the deadline. Dallas' money that was retained from not being able to make the Gortat deal was ultimately used on Gooden.

Dallas will likely consider having Drew Gooden start at the center position and have veteran Erick Dampier come off of the bench. Gooden was last a member of the San Antonio Spurs, but held a limited role on the team. Signing with the Mavericks can help Drew to get back on track with his career and earn a more prominent role. In eight NBA seasons, Gooden has already been a part of seven teams. Dallas may be able to offer Gooden career stability should he fit and perform well with the team this season.

Dallas Mavericks Key Free Agency Acquisitions

Credit Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for staying competitive, and being aggressive in a difficult Western Conference. His team has suffered disappointing, early playoff exits, and he is looking to change that by finding the right combination of personnel moving forward. He was able to secure veteran point guard Jason Kidd, who was in talks earlier this Summer with the New York Knicks. It would have been difficult for Dallas to remain top title contenders if they would have lost the skills and leadership that Kidd provides to the team.

The additions of Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden make for scary lineup possibilities, especially when freakish athletes like Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard are already in the mix. The depth, athleticism and experience of the Mavericks roster has grown exponentially in just the last few weeks. Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle should already be pondering the unlimited X's and O's possibilities he will have to work with this upcoming season.

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