The Mavericks' first order of business will be to take care of their own when the free-agency period opens at 11 p.m. today.

Jason Kidd's status isn't the only one that could get sticky.

Brandon Bass, who blossomed into a capable backup power forward and center last season, will draw attention from several teams, his agent said Monday.

Mavs see Bass as a keeper, too

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While Bass falls into the second tier of free agents, losing him would force the Mavericks to rely more heavily on James Singleton – also an unrestricted free agent – and perhaps pursue a big man on the open market or through a trade.

"Brandon likes Dallas and appreciates the Mavericks," agent Tony Dutt said. "He will certainly look at that, but he will look at other options, too. I'm pretty comfortable in saying he's going to get a ton of interest."

Bass will be seeking the mid-level exception. Because he has been with the Mavericks for two seasons, they can offer him any annual salary up to the exception without actually using their exception.

It is believed the Mavericks will hold their mid-level exception to try to lure a quality free-agent scorer such as Rasheed Wallace.

The mid-level is expected to be between $5 million and $5.5 million.

Bass is not necessarily looking to land with a team where he would start, Dutt said. But it could be a consideration, given that quality teams such as Orlando and San Antonio could be in the market for a starting power forward.

The Mavericks will be walking a fine line. Assuming they offer Bass a multiyear deal, whatever the Mavs pay him would eat into their available funds for the fertile free-agent class of 2010.
Via Dallas Morning News


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