NBA: Brandon Bass headed to Magic

DALLAS — Brandon Bass is going from backing up Dirk Nowitzki to likely starting next to Dwight Howard.

Bass agreed Friday to sign with the Orlando Magic, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. The person was granted anonymity because the Magic had not made an announcement.

NBA.com, which first reported the signing, said it was a four-year deal for around $18 million, with an escape clause after three years.

The Mavericks were hoping to re-sign Bass, but ran out of money and playing time with the acquisition of Shawn Marion. Coincidentally, Dallas is expected to soon get restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat from Orlando; paperwork is going through on an offer sheet that the Magic are expected not to match.

In Orlando, Bass is expected to start at power forward, with Rashard Lewis and newcomer Vince Carter taking over the two wing spots, along with Howard at center and Jameer Nelson at point guard.

Bass is only 23, but he's been in the NBA for four years — two with the Hornets, the last two with the Mavericks. He averaged 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over 19.4 minutes per game last season, almost identical to his numbers the previous season.

At 6-foot-8, Bass is a bit undersized for a power forward, but he's got a wide body and plenty of toughness. He also has a good mid-range jumper and he made 87 percent of his free throws last season.