Sticking with the Association, the Dallas Mavericks are looking to China to try and strengthen their roster. Reports claim the NBA champs have agreed to terms with Chinese free agent Yi Jianlian.

Thursday night Yi Jianlian's new team the Dallas Mavericks took on the Phoenix Suns, and the Chinese player was on hand to cheer on his new teammates. The Mavs are close to signing the 24-year-old center to fill their 15th and final roster spot in the wake of Tyson Chandler's free-agent departure to the New York Knicks. Although the contract had not been officially signed, Yi and his agent are trying to iron out the details over the one-year deal.

He said,"We still need to figure out some details about the contract. So I'm waiting now, for a physical and other issues to deal with. There may be some changes regarding the original plan. Now I'm not able to play with the team. So it's important for me to stay competitive and try to adapt to the team."

Yi Jianlian is no stranger to the NBA, having played in the league the last four years, and one former MVP is optimistic about the Chinese centre's career.

Yi will join Dallas' D-League affiliate the Texas Legends in nearby Frisco for a rehabilitation stint before joining the Mavericks. It will help the center re-acquaint himself with the speed of an NBA game.

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