The Brooklyn Nets, who are trying to prevent the Mavericks from signing Deron Williams, have been one of the most active teams in the NBA's free agency period.
Brooklyn, who have been linked to both Joe Johnson and Dwight Howard, re-signed Gerald Wallace, who they acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in a mid-season deal, to a 4-year $40 million contract.
What makes the signing so bizarre is the Nets gave up the No. 6 overall pick to Portland in order to acquire Wallace, but if they were willing to pay him this much money, they surely could have signed him as a free agent this summer and kept their lottery pick.
Wallace, a 6'8 230 swing forward, depends on athleticism to thrive, and as he loses foot-speed in his early 30's, his contract may end up becoming an albatross on Brooklyn's cap.
But for now, it's a signing the Nets front office can show to their biggest star to prove that they are committed to building an elite team around him.
For all the latest news and notes on the Mavericks free agency plans, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas story-stream as well as Mavs Moneyball.