NBA notes: Orlando signs Bass; Hill stays in Phoenix

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

Bass agreed to leave Dallas and sign with the Orlando Magic, the Eastern Conference champions announced Friday.

The Magic did not disclose terms of the deal. NBA.com, which first reported the signing, said it was a four-year contract 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 not expected 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. "Brandon is a physical, athletic frontline player," Orlando general manager Otis Smith said in a statement. "He will fit in well with our young core, and we are excited to have him join the Magic family."

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.

SUNS KEEP HILL: Grant Hill is staying with the Phoenix Suns.

Hill decided to remain in Phoenix on Friday, rather than join a title contender in Boston or a rebuilding team in New York.

Lon Babby, Hill's agent, said during a conference call that the deal is for two years, the second at Hill's option, and he will be paid $3 million in the first year. He could have earned more next season in New York, where Babby said the Knicks offered the full midlevel exception, about $5.8 million, for one year or $10 million for three. The Celtics and Knicks both provided the chance for Hill to reunite with former coaches: Doc Rivers in Boston and Mike D'Antoni in New York. The Celtics had under $2 million to offer and couldn't guarantee Hill a starting spot, but Babby said all three teams were willing to give Hill everything he had asked for.