NBA Free Agency 2014: Mavericks to sign Al-Fariq Aminu

Likely the final piece to their frontcourt, the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a deal with former New Orleans Pelicans forward Al-Fariq Aminu.

According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, Aminu will sign a two-year deal for the veterans minimum.

The Dallas Mavericks may have stumbled upon one of the best value signings of the summer. After struggling on the defensive end last season, the Mavericks have done a great job prioritizing defense this off-season, first with the re-acquisition of Tyson Chandler, the trade for center Greg Smith, and now the Aminu signing.

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Drafted 8th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, Aminu came in the NBA a small forward, but due to his length, strength, and rebounding ability (posted a defensive rebounding percentage of 21.6 last year), Rick Carlisle may use Aminu at the power forward minutes when Dirk Nowitzki takes to the bench for rest.

It must be mentioned that the Aminu-Mavericks deal may have never come into fruition without the recent Rashard Lewis drama. Following a deal with the one-time NBA champion at the veterans minimum, a knee injury was found during the post-signing physical, forcing the Dallas Mavericks to void the contract leaving Lewis–and his career–in limbo. With Lewis out, the Mavericks immediately turned their sights to Al-Fariq Aminu.

Last season, Aminu averaged 7.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.