NBA Rumors: Peja Bought Out By the Raptors, Is He on His Way To Mavs?

Earlier Thursday, the Toronto Raptors announced that they have agreed to buyout the contract of veteran swingman Peja Stojakovic, making him a mid-season free agent.

No sooner did this take place, the rumors of where the sharpshooter will end up started.

The one that seems to have the most substance to it is that Stojakovic is going to be picked up by the Dallas Mavericks.

No official word has been announced, but ESPN.com's Marc Stein is reporting that Stojakovic has given a verbal commitment to sign with the Mavericks once he clears waivers.

If this takes place, here are five ways that Peja can help the Mavs down the stretch:

He Can Still Shoot the Three

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 01: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the New Orleans Hornets shoots the ball over Grant Hill #33 of the Phoenix Suns at the New Orleans Arena on February 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agree

Even though Peja's best years are far behind him, he is still one of the genuine pure shooters in the league.

In very limited action this year, Stojakovic has hit 21-43 shots from beyond the arc.

That's 48.8 percent!

That's better than anyone on the current Mavs roster.

Dirk is shooting 40 percent. Jet Terry hits 33 percent.

If Peja is healthy, he could be that off-the-bench sniper that the Mavs need.

Another Long Wing

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - APRIL 29: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Peja Stojakovic #16 of the New Orleans Hornets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 29, 2009 in Denver, Colo

At 6’10’’, Peja would allow Dallas to create a multitude of offensive mismatches by pairing him with 7’0’’ Dirk Nowitzki.

Sure, you couldn't do that for very long...not enough D on the court.

But, what would you say to a frontcourt with Tyson Chandler, Dirk and Peja?

Not bad, huh?

Postseason Experience

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 10: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the New Orleans Hornets drives against the Charlotte Bobcats on December 10, 2008 at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Bobcats 105-89. As part of Hardwood Classic

Peja has over 70 games of playoff experience.

He has always put up solid numbers in the postseason.

Sixteen points and six boards.

As much as he would be limited to being a role player for Dallas, having another guy who's been there and done that is a good idea.

Just ask anyone who knows anything about the NBA playoffs: the game changes, and players play differently, if they've never been on the court in May.

Low Cost, Low Risk

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - APRIL 27: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the New Orleans Hornets shoots a three point shot in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 27, 2008 i

Picking up Peja is low, low risk at a low cost.

With his contract being bought out by the Raptors, the Mavs will pay him something legitimate, but won't break the bank.

Sure, signing Stojokavic isn't like reeling in Carmelo Anthony or signing Tayshaun Prince.

But, if it doesn't work out...no biggie.

Free Throw Whiz

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - APRIL 19: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the New Orleans Hornets takes a shot against the Denver Nuggets in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 19, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets

No surprise here, but Peja makes his free throws.

On his career, Stojakovic shoots 90 percent from the charity stripe.

You never no when you might need to insert him to put a few free throws down.