The Mavericks have come to terms with backup center D.J. Mbenga on a multiyear contract, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

Mbenga has been with the team for two seasons. He earned $880,000 last season. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed. Mbenga can't sign the agreement until July 12, per free-agency rules.

The Mavericks were impressed with the way the 7-footer improved as the season went on. He's one of the most athletic centers in the league and still is learning the game. Mbenga appeared in 43 games last season and averaged more than five blocked shots per 48 minutes played.

Meanwhile, plenty of competition has cropped up in the Mavericks' pursuit of Raptors guard Mike James, arguably the top free-agent guard left on the market. The Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, among others, are pursuing the 6-2 guard, who averaged 20.3 points for Toronto this season.

Because of the high interest, James and agent Bill Duffy appear to be in no hurry to accept the Mavericks' offer of their $5 million mid-level exception, or any other offer.

The Hawks, who are under the cap, may outprice the Rockets and Mavericks after they missed out on Clipper Sam Cassell, who agreed to re-sign in Los Angeles.