To make room for Juwan Howard, the Mavericks waived center DJ Mbenga.

Mbenga averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 79 games the past three seasons for the Mavericks. The 7-footer played only 21 games last season before tearing ligaments in his right knee Feb. 7. He played in only one preseason game, and had five rebounds and two blocked shots in 12 minutes.

"DJ needs an opportunity to play and develop," Nelson said in a story on the team's Web site. "We're hopeful that with playing time, whether it's in the NBA or Europe, he'll be able to join our team in the future."