Free-agent center
DeSagana Diop on Tuesday gave a verbal commitment to sign a new contract to return to
Dallas Mavericks, according to NBA front-office sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that Diop, traded by the Mavericks to New Jersey in February as part of the
Jason Kidd deal, will receive the Mavericks' full mid-level exception in a five-year deal starting at nearly $6 million.
Diop cannot officially sign and the Mavericks cannot officially comment until July 9, which is the first day NBA teams can announce signings and trades after a league-wide moratorium on roster moves is lifted.
Diop was a key member of the Dallas team that toppled its in-state rivals from San Antonio and reached the 2006 NBA Finals. It was the franchise's first trip beyond the Western Conference finals.