Mavs add Singleton, drop Buckner

DALLAS (AP)—The Dallas Mavericks are keeping forward James Singleton(notes) and getting rid of guard Greg Buckner(notes).

Singleton, a restricted free agent, looked around but decided to stick with Dallas since he already has a year invested with coach Rick Carlisle and his system. The 6-foot-8 Singleton showed his versatility by playing every position but point guard last season. He also averaged 5.1 points and 4 rebounds per game, with six starts.

“We are excited to bring James back into the fold for next season,” said Donnie Nelson, the team’s president of basketball operations. “His tireless work ethic and locker-room presence were a large part of our success last year.”

Buckner’s departure was no surprise.

A 1998 draftee who already has had two stints with the Mavs, Bucker arrived as part of the four-team trade that brought Shawn Marion(notes) to Dallas in July. The Mavericks were hoping to use his buyout-friendly contract (due only $1 million on a $4 million deal) as part of a trade, but let him go Monday so he can have time to get invited to another team’s training camp.

“Given our depth at that position, coupled with the number of guaranteed contracts, there is simply no room on our roster,” Nelson said.

Dallas has 16 guaranteed contracts, one more than is allowed during the season.