Dallas Mavericks center Willie Cauley-Stein informed the team that he will opt out of the restart of the NBA season, opening up a roster spot the Mavs intend to fill by signing point guard Trey Burke, sources said.
Cauley-Stein, who expects to become a father in July, averaged 5.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 13 games for the Mavs after being acquired in a January trade with the Golden State Warriors.
Burke, 27, who was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers in January, averaged 9.7 points and 2.6 assists in 25 games for the Mavs last season.
Dallas had a need for point guard depth because backup Jalen Brunson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in March.
Mavs shooting guard Courtney Lee will also be unavailable for the restart of the season due to a calf injury suffered recently.
The Athletic first reported Cauley-Stein’s intention to sit out the rest of the season.