Mavericks won't match T-Wolves offer to Hollins

[DrReality]

Hollins is out. No big loss.

Dallas Mavericks won't match T-wolves' offer to Hollins

09:22 PM CDT on Monday, August 3, 2009

By BILL NICHOLS / The Dallas Morning News

brnichols@dallasnews.com

Center Ryan Hollins won't be returning to the Mavericks.

Hollins, a restricted free agent, signed an offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves that the Mavericks do not plan to match.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Matching Minnesota's three-year, $7 million offer for center Ryan Hollins would cost Dallas $14 million because of the luxury tax. On his Twitter account, Mavs owner Mark Cuban congratulated Hollins and wished him well in Minnesota.

The Mavs have little reason to match. Hollins was reportedly offered a three-year deal worth $7 million, which would have translated to $14 million for Cuban because of the luxury tax.

The Mavs last week signed veteran Drew Gooden to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. He is expected to compete with Erick Dampier for the starting center job.

Hollins, 7-0, was drafted out of UCLA by Charlotte in 2006. He played just over two seasons before the Mavs acquired him in January. He has career averages of 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds.

David Kahn, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, said Hollins will be a good fit on the frontcourt with Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.

"We are excited about the opportunity to have Ryan Hollins

[mrhonline]

This makes it more likely for Siler to sign with Atlanta, for what that's worth.