J.J. Barea said he's coming to Dallas Mavericks training camp in October to win the job as backup point guard.
Barea, the undrafted dynamo out of Northeastern, who proved himself to be a reliable spark plug throughout last season, said he has agreed to a three-year deal worth about $4.8 million.
The third year is at the team's option. Barea will make $1.5 million next season. He said he'll be ready to officially sign the deal next Wednesday when the league's moratorium on signings and trades expires.
"I'm happy to be back," the 5-foot-11 Barea said.
Barea said he's worked out with new coach Rick Carlisle and believes he'll have a chance to play behind Jason Kidd even though the Mavs are seeking more help at the point. Tyronn Lue, who joined the Mavs late last season and is an unrestricted free agent has listed the Mavs, Celtics and Suns as his final choices. The Mavs have also shown some interest in Dan Dickau and summer-league member Keith McCloud.
"I'm going in thinking I'm going to get more minutes than last year," Barea said. "I don't know how he'll [Carlisle] use me, but I have the mindset that I'm going to be the second point guard."
Barea played in 44 games last season and made nine starts. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.3 assists in 10.5 minutes a game. He shot 38.9 percent from the 3-point arc.
-- Jeff Caplan
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