J.J. Barea to be waived by Timberwolves; would like to come back to Mavericks

Per ESPN's Marc Stein, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in the process of finalizing a buyout of veteran guard J.J. Barea to get their roster down to 15.

Minnesota Timberwolves are today finalizing a buyout with veteran guard JJ Barea, say ESPN sources

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 26, 2014

Barea is on course to be waived by the Wolves as soon as today and, at the latest, before Monday's 5 PM roster cutdown deadline

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 26, 2014

Once Barea clears waivers, it seems the Mavericks have an interest:

After clearing waivers, JJ Barea is then hoping to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks, who'll have to open a roster spot to make room for him

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 26, 2014

See the full story here, but the Mavs would have to make room for Barea by cutting.....someone. Stein mentions Gal Mekel and Greg Smith as likely candidates. Personally, I can't see Greg Smith being the cut, since the Mavs are down a big man after waiving Bernard James the other day to make room for camp invitee Charlie Villanueva.

Marc Stein doesn't speculate callously, and he does say that the Mavs have interest in re-signing Barea. Chuck Cooperstein's thoughts:

Yes JJ Barea would like to come back to Mavs. Given their PG depth do the Mavs want/need him back? Not as easy an answer as you think

— Chuck Cooperstein (@coopmavs) October 26, 2014

More on this as it develops. Speculate away in the comments below.