The Mavericks are expected to sign David Lee, per report

The Dallas Mavericks will officially sign David Lee as soon as he clears waivers, according to Yahoo's Shams Charania. Dallas, who had been linked to Lee when Boston bought him out on Friday, will need to clear a roster spot before bringing him in.

Lee is a 32-year-old, 6'9 power forward who was benched in Golden State two seasons ago and hasn't found a consistent role in the NBA since. He's a mediocre defender and doesn't stretch out to the three-point line, which hurts his value in the modern NBA. However, Lee has a career average of 14 points per game, including two seasons scoring more than 20. He has been a clever roll man throughout his career, something that Dallas hopes they can revive.

In all likelihood, Lee will replace the roles that Dwight Powell and Charlie Villanueva currently fill as a backup power forward and center. It will be untenable to play Lee next to Dirk Nowitzki for any significant stretches, but similar to Amar'e Stoudemire last year, another player brought in after being bought out, Lee can provide desperately needed scoring off the bench when the Mavericks lag offensively.

Villanueva or potentially John Jenkins will most likely be waived to clear a spot. Because Lee will be signed before March 1, he is eligible to make the Mavericks' playoff roster. It is possible that the Mavericks pursue another buyout candidate, particularly Kevin Martin, if the Timberwolves do choose to waive the guard, but there's no indication that is Dallas' plan yet.

The Mavericks next play Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers.