Kelenna Azubuike Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Mavericks Sign Kelenna Azubuike

March 23rd, 2012 at 10:24am CST by Luke Adams

The Mavericks have officially signed Kelenna Azubuike, the team announced today in a press release. Azubuike will receive a minimum-salary contract for the rest of this season, with a team option for next year.

Azubuike, 28, is attempting a comeback after having not played in an NBA game since November 2009. He underwent patella surgery in 2009, and attempted to play last season with the Knicks, but never fully recovered and required additional surgery. The Mavs are intrigued enough by his rehab that they'll take a minimum-salary flier on him and start him out at their D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.

In 205 career games over four seasons for the Warriors, Azubuike averaged 10.6 PPG and 4.0 RPG in 24.4 MPG. He'll take Sean Williams' place on the Mavericks' roster, after Williams was waived by the team.

Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News first reported the Mavs were closing in on Azubuike, with ESPN.com's Marc Stein adding details.

Mavericks Close To Signing Kelenna Azubuike

March 23rd, 2012 at 9:23am CST by Luke Adams

9:23am: If he passes his physical, Azubuike will sign a minimum-salary contract for the rest of this season and will receive a team option for next season, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. The initial plan is for Azubuike to join the Mavs' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.

9:08am: The Mavericks are closing in on a deal with Kelenna Azubuike, according to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News. Azubuike will need to pass a physical, which as Sefko points out, is no sure thing, given the 28-year-old's multiple surgeries in recent seasons.

Azubuike played four seasons with the Warriors, but has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2009/2010 season. In 205 career games in Golden State, the 6'5" shooting guard averaged 10.6 PPG and 4.0 RPG in 24.4 MPG.

The Mavericks waived Sean Williams yesterday, so if they finalize a deal with Azubuike, they have an open roster spot.