However, the roster did not expand to 17 guaranteed contracts because in a separate transaction the Mavericks waived Greg Buckner, a move that was not a surprise. Buckner, a 6-4 swingman, has a $4 million expiring contract, only $1 million of which is guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks learned that 6-10 forward Tim Thomas suffered a knee injury of undetermined severity during a pick-up game.

Apparently, the injury is at least a sprain, but could include some cartilage damage. A sprain would mean he probably would be able to participate in part of training camp, which starts Sept. 28, if not all.

Cartilage damage would require perhaps four to eight weeks of recovery time. The Mavericks hope to know more when their doctors examine Thomas.

Even though the roster is at 16, one more than the maximum that can be carried in the regular season, the Mavericks have another player who has his sights on joining them.

Duncanville native and former Utah Jazz center Greg Ostertag said Monday that he would love to make an NBA comeback after three seasons in retirement and Dallas is his dream destination.

The Mavericks' obvious hole on the roster? A backup center to Erick Dampier.

"Everyone knows how bad I've wanted to play in Dallas," Ostertag said. "I grew up there. They were my favorite team growing up. I'd play there in a second. ... That would be the ultimate way to end my career."

President of Basketball operations Donnie Nelson said the 7-2, 36-year-old Ostertag is on the Mavericks' radar, but with the roster situation, some things would have to happen for them to make a serious run at him. The team is always open to trading and could pursue some two-for-one or even three-for-one deals that might open a roster spot.

Singleton's signing ends weeks of waiting for the Mavericks . He averaged 5.1 points and 4 rebounds last season, but improved as the year went along as he recovered from serious knee surgery.