MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are welcoming J.J. Barea into the fold, hoping he can bring veteran poise and leadership to one of the youngest teams in the league.

The Wolves announced the signing of the free agent point guard to a four-year deal on Wednesday. Barea spent his first five seasons in the league with Dallas and played a big role in the Mavericks’ run to the title last season.

Barea says he is excited to join a new team and work with fellow point guard Ricky Rubio.

New Wolves coach Rick Adelman says he will play Rubio and Barea together at times. Adelman wants as many ball-handlers on the floor as possible and likens the pairing to when he played Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson together in Sacramento.