Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert was previously mentioned in trade rumors, and the Dallas Mavericks were reportedly interested in signing up the Pacers center.
But all that was before the Mavericks were able to reach an agreement with Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. With that agreement, earlier talk about the Maverick's interest in Hibbert may have very well ended.
Hibbert was an alternative just in case the team was unable to land Jordan. The Mavericks are in need of a center after Tyson Chandler opted to move to the Phoenix Suns. That vacancy has now been filled, with Jordan agreeing to a four-year deal estimated to be worth $80 million that includes a player option in the final year.
Hibbert, 28, was once a powerful presence for the Pacers but was struggling last season. His performance was a far cry from that of previous years, when he played a key role in the Pacers' efforts to make it to the Eastern conference finals. This has led the team consider a possible trade for Hibbert.
The main concern in Indiana is Hibbert's contract. Hibbert is set to make $15.5 million next season, part of the $58-million four-year deal he signed with the Pacers.
As Hibbert's performance continues to slide, the Pacers could be looking to do away with that $15-million obligation if they find a proper suitor for the 17th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
It was previously mentioned that Pacers president Larry Bird was expecting the former Goergetown University standout to be back next season. And so he did when he exercised his player option.
However, this does not guarantee that Hibbert will play his usual role. It is possible that Hibbert could be relegated to a backup role, especially with the Pacers set to employ a fast-tempo type of game next season.
Could the Mavericks still pursue the center despite the fat contract that he carries?
