Mavericks interested in russian big-man Artem Klimenko

Artem Klimenko plans to play next season in Russia with BC Avtodor Saratov, and the undrafted seven-footer has become comfortable with continuing to cultivate a relationship with his most interested NBA suitor in the Dallas Mavericks, league sources told RealGM.

Ever since Klimenko went unselected in the June NBA draft, the Mavericks have pursued a possible arrangement to monitor the 20-year-old’s development in Russia over the next season or two.

Klimenko is expected to head to the United States at some point in the summer to visit the Mavericks and their staff, sources said.