Eddie Sefko reported that the Mavericks will be cutting ties with guard Delonte West to make room for either veteran big man Eddy Curry, swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts, or center Melvin Ely (see update below).
West was suspended earlier today, his second suspension in a week. His first suspension was supposedly due to an argument about playing time and his role on the team, but was resolved within a day. West played in two preseason games since then.
Speaking to Tim MacMahon, West pleaded innocent to the latest suspension, saying he was being blamed for an argument between two of his teammates.
Clearly, the Mavericks did not see it that way, as they plan to cut or trade him. They will bring in veteran center Eddy Curry, who played fourteen games for the Heat last year, to fill his roster spot and help the depth at center while Dirk and Kaman are dealing with injuries.
Curry played five games for the Spurs during this preseason before being cut, averaging 8.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 15.4 minutes.
Here is Sefko's tweet, via DMN Sports Day (who he writes for).
Mavericks plan to get rid of Delonte West - by cutting or trading him - and will bring in Eddy Curry to fill the spot: mavsblog.dallasnews.com/2012/10/maveri…
— DMNSportsDay (@SportsDayDFW) October 25, 2012
Update: That 15th roster spot is not being given to Eddy Curry. He will have to win it, as the Mavericks also brought in swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts and center Melvin Ely to compete for the spot. Rosters must be finalized by Monday, so this decision will be made quickly. From ESPN Dallas:
A source said the Mavs have agreed to non-guaranteed deals with a pair of veterans, swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts and center/forward Melvin Ely. They will join the team Friday morning.
(UPDATE II: SURPRISE GUEST APPEARANCE FROM JOSH BOWE)
Here's visual proof that Eddy Curry won't be the worst thing ever. A recent sampling from one of his preseason games with the Spurs: