Veteran forward Richard Jefferson is leaving the Dallas Mavericks for the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
Jefferson reached agreement Tuesday with the Cavs on a one-year contract for the veteran minimum salary for the 2015-16 season.
The 35-year-old Jefferson, who was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, averaged 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds and made 43.5 percent of his 3-point shots in 74 games for the Mavericks last season.
ESPN reported that Mavs owner Mark Cuban received a call from Jefferson declaring his intentions to sign with the Cavs and avoid the messy situation that resulted earlier this month from free agent DeAndre Jordan committing to the Mavericks and then re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Cavs also are reported to be interested in re-signing free-agent J.R. Smith and they remain in contract discussions with free agent guard Matthew Dellavedova and center Tristan Thompson.
Jefferson’s career stops include the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz.