Dwain Price of the Dallas Star-Telegram reports that, after creating a flap last week about possibly being unable to return to the NBA, Wang Zhizhi did some spin-doctoring by saying he will return to the NBA... once the Chinese Army gives him permission (which is what he was saying last week).
Gary Trent will not be back, however. Due to several injuries, the development of Nowitzki and the arrival of Juwon Howard, Trent lost his spot in the rotation. He officially became a free agent Sunday and won't return to the Mavs if he isn't promised significant minutes.
Trent's spot, and those of departing Vernon Maxwell and Mark Bryant will be filled by the draft and free agency. The Mavs have the $1 million and the $4.5 million exceptions for free agents. They also have two second-round picks. They were still working out scrubs on Monday.