Free agent center Jeff Withey has agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.

The 7-footer has spent four seasons in the NBA as a backup center — two with the New Orleans Pelicans and his last two with the Utah Jazz.

The Kansas product possesses good shot-blocking ability but hasn't been able to garner the minutes to exhibit his skill on the defensive end, garnering only 15 starts in 197 career games.

Dallas has been looking to re-sign center Nerlens Noel, but negotiations have fallen stale in the last month or so, making Withey's acquisition a safeguard in case the team is unable to secure Noel's services by the end of the offseason.

Withey can challenge for a direct backup spot if Salah Mejri is moved or doesn't impress right out of the gate during training camp, giving the Mavs a shot-blocking presence with a decent offensive game to not make him a liability.