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The Dallas Mavericks got hit with a major blow after DeAndre Jordan bailed on his verbal agreement to join the franchise, ultimately deciding to re-sign a max deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
With Tyson Chandler officially joining the Phoenix Suns on a reported four-year, $52-million contract, the Mavericks are left scrambling for viable options to step in and man the center position.
In an effort to fill the hole left by Chandler's departure and Jordan's wishy-washy decision-making, Dallas has struck a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks to acquire veteran center Zaza Pachulia, reports ESPN's Marc Stein.
The Mavericks will send a second-round pick to the Bucks to complete the trade, adds Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears.
Dallas reportedly has no problem taking on Pachulia's $5.25-million expiring deal, nor should they. The 31-year-old doesn't have the star power Jordan would have brought to the team, but he's a serviceable big who can man the middle and be trusted to consistently defend.
In fact, Pachulia ranked 15th in the NBA in defensive efficiency this past season, with Milwaukee allowing just 97 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor.
With Greg Monroe reportedly signing a three-year, $50-million max deal, the Bucks no longer required the services of Pachulia, as Monroe, John Henson, and a healthy Jabari Parker will be taking up most of the minutes in the frontcourt.
In 73 games last season for the Bucks, Pachulia averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 23.7 minutes.
