Jeremy Evans was traded to the Pacers on Wednesday.
The Pacers are set to receive forward Jeremy Evans from the Dallas Mavericks in what is a salary dump for a team out of cap space. By moving Evans, the Mavericks shake loose a roster spot and a little room on their spreadsheet for offseason spending. Evans is due $1.22 million for the 2016-17 season.
In addition to Evans, the Pacers will receive cash and the rights to 6-foot-9 forward Emir Preldzic, who plays overseas in Turkey.
In exchange — the Pacers have to send something — the Mavericks get the rights to Stanko Barac, the 39th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat who was then traded to the Pacers. After Kevin Durant committed to the Warriors, the 2015 NBA Champions then had to clear space by trading Andrew Bogut and renouncing their rights to Harrison Barnes, both of whom will end up in Dallas.
Evans, 28, appeared in just 30 games last season, his first and only year with Dallas. In mid-March he was ruled out for the rest of the season after requiring surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
“Jeremy is big and athletic,” said Pacers President Larry Bird. “We’re anxious to get him here to put him through our strength and conditioning program. We know he’ll be a good fit with the players we have.”
I want to thank the @dallasmavs for giving me an opportunity. Amazing how much you're able to grow in a year. Great organization!!!
— Jeremy Evans (@JeremyEvans40) July 6, 2016
Looking forward to a new home with the @Pacers!!!
— Jeremy Evans (@JeremyEvans40) July 6, 2016
Over his six-year career, he averaged 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
How (or if) Evans, who’s listed at 6-9, 200 pounds, fits in with the Pacers remains to be seen. After acquiring Evans, the Pacers’ roster stands at a league-maximum 15, assuming they sign second-round pick Georges Niang — which is the plan.
The deals of two players, Glenn Robinson III and Shayne Whittington, are not fully guaranteed for more than $1 million each until August 1.
Already this summer the Pacers have traded for Jeff Teague and Thad Young, and agreed to a deal with free agent Al Jefferson. None of those transactions can be completed until tomorrow — July 7 — after the league’s moratorium is over.
The Pacers have reached the salary cap floor, $84.729 million, and have about $7.5 million available to spend.
[Marquis Teague on Jeff playing for the Pacers: ‘It’s like a dream come true’]
Evans won the 2012 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, getting former Bulldog Gordon Hayward in on a dunk with two different basketballs.