Mavs void deal for Rashard Lewis over knee issue

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks have voided the contract of Rashard Lewis because the free agent forward needs surgery on his right knee.

President of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said Wednesday the team discovered the need for surgery during a physical. Lewis had signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $1.4 million.

The 34-year-old Lewis spent the past two seasons mostly coming off the bench in Miami. He averaged 4.5 points last season. He was expected to back upDirk Nowitzki at power forward.

Lewis has played 16 seasons since skipping college to enter the draft and going 32nd overall to Seattle in 1998. He has career averages of 14.9 points and 5.2 rebounds.