FOXSportsSouthwest.com
A former Dallas nemesis is close to putting on a Mavericks uniform.
Earlier Thursday, the Toronto Raptors announced that they have agreed to a buyout with swingman Peja Stojakovic, making him a free agent.
Now, ESPN.com's Marc Stein, citing sources, is reporting that Stojakovic has given a verbal commitment to sign with the Mavericks once he clears waivers.
"We were clear from the beginning that our trade with New Orleans was made with the future in mind, so a buyout or trade of Peja's contract was a likely option," said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo in a statement. "Although he did not fit into our plan of developing our young core talent, I'm sure that Peja will add significantly to any veteran team that signs him."
Stojakovic, 33, was traded from New Orleans to Toronto on November 21st in a multi-player deal but has played in just two games for the Raptors this season due to knee problems and eight overall. His best game, however, came against Dallas on November 15th, in which he scored 17 points including four made three-pointers while still playing for the Hornets.
For his career, Stojakovic has averaged 17.1 points per game including 40.1% from three-point range. He was a key part of the Sacramento Kings squad that the Mavericks played in three consecutive playoffs from 2002-2004, for whom he averaged 20.7 points in 15 postseason contests against Dallas.
Stojakovic would fill two major needs for the Mavericks. First, he is a true small forward, a role that only Shawn Marion fills on the current roster now that Caron Butler has been ruled out for the season. Second, he is another shooter on a team starving for offense and, at 6
