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Dallas pieces together a contender

After resigning guard Jason Terry (worth $57 million over 6 years) and rewarding Dirk Nowitzki with an extension two years before his contract ends ($60 million over 3 years), the Dallas Mavericks have taken care of Josh Howard. The swingman, about to begin his fourth professional season, agreed to a four year deal worth over $40 million.

Dallas needed to sign Howard to an extension by Oct. 31 to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent in July. Acknowledging his important role in carrying the team to the NBA Finals season last year, the Mavericks decided to keep the third piece of their leading trio wearing a Dallas jersey.

Howard has still one season left on his rookie contract, which will pay him $1.7 million. Only then will the new contract kick in. last year was Howard`s best so far in the league. He averaged 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds as Dallas won 60 games and made the Finals. In 202 pro games over his first three seasons, he has averaged 12.2 points and 6.3 rebounds.