Mavericks waive Samuel Dalembert, Brandon Ashley

The Dallas Mavericks waived veteran center Samuel Dalembert and power forward Brandon Ashley on Saturday, the team announced.

Dalembert was added on a fully guaranteed veteran's minimum contract in the offseason following Dallas' failed pursuit of star center DeAndre Jordan. Should Dalembert clear waivers, the Mavericks would be on the hook for the $1.5 million owed to the 35-year-old.

Dalembert entered the preseason out of shape, and Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle noted at the start of training camp that Dalembert had to improve his conditioning, but the Haitian national mostly played it off.

"That's what preseason is for," Dalembert said with a smile after the Mavericks' 96-86 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener. "I've never been through preseason and seen somebody come in in shape."

Despite shedding Dalembert, the Mavericks remain loaded with depth at center. Zaza Pachulia figures to draw the start, while players like JaVale McGee, Salah Mejri, and Maurice Ndour could also conceivably see time at the five.

Dalembert, a 13-year veteran of six teams, holds career averages of 7.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 24.4 minutes per game. He appeared in 32 games with the New York Knicks last season before getting waived.

The 21-year-old Ashley averaged 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds with Arizona last season. His 7-foot-4 wingspan and somewhat reliable outside shot made him an intriguing prospect. He went undrafted this summer.