Kidd already has agreed to re-sign, although the paperwork is pending. Dallas also is expected to get 25-year-old center Marcin Gortat, who was Dwight Howard's backup in Orlando last season. Gortat is in the process of signing an offer sheet that the Magic will have one week to match, although that's believed to be unlikely.

The Mavs also are hoping to keep their own free agents, Brandon Bass and James Singleton.

PISTONS PICK KUESTER AS COACH: In his decade running the Detroit Pistons, Joe Dumars hasn't been known for showing patience with head coaches. He insists that is about to change.

Moments after introducing Cavaliers assistant John Kuester as Detroit's sixth coach in 10 years, Dumars said Thursday that Kuester "might have the most job security of anyone in the NBA."

"Bless you, Joe," said Kuester with a laugh.

Kuester replaces Michael Curry, who was fired on June 30 after going 39-43 in his first season and being swept by Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit had reached the Eastern Conference finals in the previous six seasons under Rick Carlisle, Larry Brown and Flip Saunders.

Detroit has almost completely turned over that roster, with only Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince remaining from the 2003-04 championship team. They added Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon in the first hours of free agency.

"For the last seven years, the criteria for success here has been making the finals," said Dumars, the team's president of basketball operations. "That's not the gun that will be held to John's head. Right now, we're looking to move this franchise back in the right direction."

When Dumars fired Curry, he said he wanted a coach with more experience and there was speculation that veterans like Doug Collins or Avery Johnson would take the reins. Neither situation came together, though Dumars did talk with Johnson about the job.

CAVS SIGN VAREJAO: The Cleveland Cavaliers and Anderson Varejao — the energetic big man with curly hair known to fans as "Wild Thing" — have agreed on a multiyear contract.

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry announced the signing Thursday afternoon, though terms were not disclosed. The 6-11 center forward from Brazil has played five years in the NBA, all with the Cavaliers.

The deal was first reported by The Plain Dealer late Wednesday. Agent Dan Fegan told the newspaper that the club and Varejao agreed on a six-year contract worth up to $50 million. Fegan did not return messages Thursday from The Associated Press.

CLIPS INK GRIFFIN: The Clippers have signed Blake Griffin, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. The team says Thursday that Griffin's deal was official, and terms were not announced.