FORT WORTH - When former Mavericks forward Brandon Bass had finished chatting up the kids attending his summer youth camp at a Boys & Girls Club on Tuesday, the question went out.
"Do you want Brandon to come back next year?" Dozens of hands shot into the air.
But the NBA-side of that question was already moot.
Last week, Bass turned his free agency and two successful seasons with the Mavs into a four-year deal with the Orlando Magic, beginning at $4 million next season.
The Mavericks stepped out of the way, back when they had hope of getting restricted free agent Marcin Gortat from Orlando. That fell through Monday when the Magic matched Dallas' offer.
"They're in a tough spot," Bass said. "When you offer somebody a mid-level exception and you don't get him, that's a pretty big loss."
Bass said his agent, Tony Dutt, had talked with the Mavs about re-signing Bass in the event Gortat's five-year, $34 million dollar deal didn't happen.
"They continued to do what they wanted to do," Bass said. "That's why I think I'm in the best position possible. I'm going to the team that wanted me most in free agency."
But Bass - who predicted that Mavs owner Mark Cuban had a back-up plan - said he'll miss Dallas. He came here averaging 2.0 points a game in his second season with the Hornets and leaves after averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game last season.
"Playing with the Mavs rejuvenated my career," Bass said. "They gave me an opportunity to grow as a player. I'll miss Dallas, but I have to start something new with the Magic."
Briefly: Cuban said on NBA TV on Monday that Dallas has talked with Lamar Odom's agent. ... Roddy Beaubois, who suffered a left knee injury in Monday's summer league loss to Phoenix, is expected to be ready for the Mavericks next game Thursday against Cleveland. He rested and received treatment Tuesday.
