The NBA has awarded the Dallas Mavericks a Disabled Player Exception worth $1.85 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Mavs veteran point guard J.J. Barea tore his right Achilles tendon against the Minnesota Timberwolves last weekend and underwent season-ending surgery.

If the Mavs want to add a player, they will have to create a roster spot, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN.

The loss of J.J. Barea was a big one. The 13-year pro was averaging 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.6 rebounds in 38 games for Dallas while shooting 41.8 percent from the field, 29.7 percent from beyond the arc and 70.5 percent from the free-throw line.

In terms of a trade, the Mavs have been linked to Washington Wizards small forward Otto Porter Jr. Dallas is also reportedly deciding the future of second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr. The Mavs have a few options to play with, but there aren't too many valuable free agents on the open market right now who could help Dallas.

The Mavs are 20-24 on the season, good for 13th place in the Western Conference standings. The team averages 109.8 points per game, 20th in the NBA, and gives up 109.5 points, 12th in the league. The club's leading scorer is rookie phenom Luka Doncic, who is putting up 22.7 points a night.