After officially inking free agent big man Greg Monroe to a three-year pact, the Milwaukee Bucks shipped center Zaza Pachulia to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a future second-round draft pick Thursday.
The Bucks have acquired a future 2nd round pick from the Mavs in exchange for Zaza Pachulia http://t.co/nCirBEh4HS pic.twitter.com/FniXRUdnis
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 10, 2015
Pachulia, 31, is embarking on his 13th season with a fourth NBA team.
He posted averages of 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 73 games last season.
Per the Journal Sentinel:
The move clears the Bucks of Pachulia’s $5.2 million expiring contract and opens up the team’s crowded frontcourt, leaving more playing time for Monroe and 24-year-old center John Henson. […] Dallas re-entered the market for a center after DeAndre Jordan decided to return to the Clippers on Wednesday after verbally committing to sign a max contract with the Mavericks last week.
He returned to the Bucks in 2013-’14 and over the past two seasons averaged 8.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 24.2 minutes per game over 126 regular-season contests. In addition to his on-court exploits, he was considered a positive, steady veteran presence in Milwaukee’s young locker room. […] “Z is a true competitor,” Bucks coach Jason Kidd said. “He was great for us. Coming off an injury, to have the season he had, you couldn’t ask for a better person or a better player to be part of the family.”
The trade leaves the Bucks with 14 guaranteed contracts for 15 roster spots. Cutting Pachulia’s salary also leaves Milwaukee near the salary cap of $70 million.
