DALLAS _ It looks like the Dallas Mavericks have won another high stakes game of poker.
Free-agent-to-be Corey Brewer -- armmed with financial packages from the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Mavericks -- is close to signing a contract with the Mavs. Dallas, according to a source, is expected to give Brewer a three-year contract in excess of $7 million once he clears waivers Thursday.
At 6-9, Brewer is a heady defender who has the ability to defend high-scoring small forwards or shooting guards. That would give the Mavs some comfort at a position -- small forward -- which has been a source of concern ever since Caron Butler suffered a season-ending knee injury on New Year's Day.
Peja Stojakovic, the Mavs' starting small forward, is a terrific shooter. Yet he lacks the defensive tenacity Brewer brings to the table.
The New York Knicks bought out Brewer's contract and waived him Tuesday after acquiring him last week in a deal from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last year for the Timberwolves, Brewer averaged 13 points and 3.4 rebounds, and he also averaged 8.6 points and 2.7 rebounds this season.
Brewer was the No. 7th pick of the 2007 NBA Draft.
-- Dwain Price
Hey, a perfect fit for the Mavs would be someone good enough to matter as Dirk's second star when the playoffs get here.
Defensive specialists who score about 8 a game will scarcely be relevant if his defender ignores him and goes and helps shut Dirk down, as has been the case with too few stars on this team the last 4 years in the playoffs.
Posted by: Ringsthething | March 03, 2011 at 12:24 PM