The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have exercised the team option on the contract of center DeSagana Diop.

In 81 games with nine starts, Diop (7-0, 280) averaged 2.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks (22nd in NBA) in 18.3 minutes per game. He averaged 3.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 23.3 minutes in six playoff games (three starts).

Through six NBA seasons, Diop owns career averages of 1.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 14.3 minutes in 355 games.

Diop signed as a free agent with the Mavericks on Aug. 19, 2005 after being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the eighth pick of the 2001 NBA Draft and spending four seasons with the franchise.