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Report: Mavericks release Ricky Ledo to clear room for Amar'e Stoudemire

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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The Dallas Mavericks didn't just want to clear a roster spot for Amar'e Stoudemire, they wanted him to feel at home with his customary No. 1 jersey.

As such, the Mavericks are set to release Ricky Ledo, according to a report from Shams Charania of RealGM. Ledo was wearing No. 1 and also had a minimal amount of guaranteed salary on his deal, with only the remaining portion of his $816,482 salary for this season owed to him.

Cutting Ledo would seem to indicate multiple things about the Mavericks roster. Namely, it likely means they'll keep Bernard James on a second 10-day contract to bolster their frontcourt depth. It could also mean Rajon Rondo is close to returning, as losing Ledo leaves them a little shorter on guards if not.

The reality is probably just that Ledo is the team's least important player right now, and even if the 6-foot-7 two-guard has some untapped potential at just 22 years old. The Mavericks are wholly in win-now mode, and the 2013 second-round pick has played just 11 minutes for the team, spending most of his season in the D-League. In 19 D-League games, he's averaging 16 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

In 16 games with Dallas over two seasons, Ledo has scored 20 points with three assists in 44 minutes.

Stoudemire is expected to sign with Dallas once he clears waivers on Wednesday. After breaking into the league wearing No. 32, he switched to No. 1 in the summer of 2006 - a number he's worn since.

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