In comes one big man, out goes another.
After signing Chris Kaman to a one-year deal, the Mavericks will use their amnesty clause on Brendan Haywood, according to ESPN Dallas.
Haywood, 32, is owed about $35 million in guaranteed money by the Mavericks through 2015. By using the amnesty, the Mavs open more cap space. After signing Kaman for $8 million, Dallas was up against the salary cap. And if they want to bid for recently amnestied Elton Brand, they had to be under the cap.
Dallas is also reportedly interested in point guards Ramon Sessions and Raymond Felton, among a few other free agents.
The Mavs are interested in financial flexibility going forward, so clearing Haywood off certainly does that. Haywood has been perennially overpaid after half a good season in Washington a few years ago. With the Mavs last year, Haywood averaged 5.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in 54 appearances.
Haywood will find a few suitors most likely as he's a seven-footer that can defend the post and rebound. He's not a big-dollar player anymore, but he can be productive in a specific role. Teams under the cap can bid on him with the highest claiming him off waivers.
By amnestying Haywood, the Mavs only have nine players under contract.
