Update: Gortat to sign with Dallas; Rubio to stay in Spain

UPDATE: It’s official, Marc Stein reports. Gortat to Dallas. Sigh…

Restricted free-agent center Marcin Gortat was scheduled to fly to Dallas on Thursday after giving the Mavericks a verbal commitment to sign an offer sheet with them next week, according to NBA front-office sources. Sources told ESPN.com that the Mavericks are bringing Gortat to town to tour the area and the team’s facilities after extending him an offer believed to be worth Dallas’ full mid-level exception — which could translate to a five-year deal starting at roughly $5.6 million — in hopes of dissuading the Orlando Magic from matching the offer.

Eddie Sefko, Dallas Morning News:

We’re now hearing that the Mavericks have indeed made an offer to Marcin Gortat and the only hangup will be if the Magic decides to match the offer. Barring that, the next center of the Mavericks appears headed this way. This would represent the first domino in the Mavericks’ summer makeover and probably would be a good move in helping sway Jason Kidd’s return.

Of course free agents can’t officially sign until July 8th, but agreements can be reached. Obviously no word on what the Mavericks offered, but it’s got to be somewhere within the MLE, otherwise Dallas wouldn’t be making this move as they’re already about $12M over the cap. And remember, nothing is official by any means, but I have a feeling if Presti was willing to deal, this wouldn’t be happening. But that’s an assumption, based on Sefko’s wording: “Only hangup will be if the Magic decides to match the offer.” He makes it sound like a done deal. Obviously, we just have to wait and see.

ALSO, word is that Ricky Rubio will remain in Spain for the next two years and then try and come over the NBA:

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ top draft pick, Ricky Rubio, 18, will remain in Spain to play for his DKV Joventut basketball team for the remaining two years of his contract rather than try to move to the NBA this season, El Periodico reported today. The Barcelona newspaper also says Rubio, who was paid $97,000 last season, plans to withdraw his contract lawsuit against DKV Joventut.

My general manager is smarter than your general manager. This is why you do your homework fellas. Crisis averted. Thank you Sammy.