Point guard Dennis Smith Jr. plans to rejoin the Dallas Mavericks for Tuesday's home game against the LA Clippers, sources told ESPN.
Coach Rick Carlisle informed the team about Smith's pending return at Sunday's practice in Milwaukee, stressing Smith's value to the team and encouraging players to welcome him with open arms, sources said.
Smith has missed the last five games - three officially due to back soreness and an illness cited by the team as the reason for the last two -- as reports swirled about the Mavs shopping him in the trade market.