DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks signed free agent Jamaal Magloire to add depth at center that's been missing since DeSagana Diop went to New Jersey in the trade for Jason Kidd.

Magloire should be available for practice today and could play as early as tomorrow when Dallas visits San Antonio.

"We were concerned about our backup center spot after the trade and this will provide us some much needed depth," said Donnie Nelson, the president of basketball operations.

The 6-foot-11 center was waived by the Nets on Friday and cleared waivers yesterday.

Magloire, 29, played less than 11 minutes per game this season with the Nets. In eight seasons, he's averaged 8.7 points and 7.3 rebounds. In 2005-06 in Milwaukee, his last season as a regular starter, he averaged 9.2 points and 9.5 rebounds.

Magloire will likely back up Erick Dampier.