After months of uncertainty, Nerlens Noel agreed to a one-year, $4.1MM qualifying offer with the Mavericks, returning to the team that acquired him at the trade deadline last season. The former first round pick (sixth overall) from the 2013 NBA Draft has seen his stock derailed due to numerous injuries but his return provides Dallas with stability at center, Earl K. Sneed of NBA.com writes.
Noel, still just 23 years old, posted 8.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG and 1.1 BPG in 22 games with Mavericks after the deal. While a return was far from certain for most of the offseason, Noel can now focus on strengthening the team’s core and building on the experiences that made Dallas an appealing destination for him.
“You know, I learned a lot,” Noel said. “I met a lot of great people and I started a lot of great relationships. And being around all the vets they have around here, it’s definitely something I took in with all the knowledge and all the small habits that help you succeed in this league for the duration of time that you’re in it. It’s been great. I love Dallas. You know, in my short time here, I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it’s been a great time. And with the pieces that we have and the opportunities that will be seen in the near future, I think there’s a lot to be excited for.”
Read below for additional news around the Southwest Division:
- In addition to Noel, the Mavericks have shored up their depth at center by signing 27-year-old Jeff Withey to a two-year deal, according to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). Withey, 27, appeared in 102 games off the bench for the Jazz the last two seasons.
- With Noel’s return confirmed, Dallas Sports Day has compiled a feature highlighting 10 important facts about the center’s life and career.
- Jorge Sierra of Hoops Hype previews the Spurs‘ 2017/18 as he examines the team’s additions, subtractions, incumbents, and salaries.
- Rockets owners Leslie Alexander has increased his donation to aid the recovery from Hurricane Harvey to $10MM, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes.
Noel isn’t worth even close to the max. The 4 million dollar deal is a dose of reality
Ya he’s not worth the max now, but he’s gonna tear it up this year and earn a decent contract. I dunno why every person with a small chance to have an opinion thinks they have to be edgy and try and predict a downfall. Then again eff the net, they love scalabrine but hate Durant? Gtfo
Watch next year Dallas offer him less money and it will still be the best offer lmao
He should have never turned down the 4 year $70M offer from the Mavs.
He did not turn down 4/$70M from the Mavs, that offer was not actually out there. Both Mavs and Noel have denied it.
It wasn’t out there this month, but he did turn it down at the start of free agency, as multiple reporters (and his former agent) confirmed.
I don’t like the Spurs offseason at all.
As bad as the Hardaway contract was for NY, Gasol’s deal may be even more egregious. Gay is not a Spur, and LMA is still in town. Mills, who is not a true PG got paid, and while there are still holes in this lineup, there are vets in market that would help on one year deals (ie. D-Lee, Allen), that the Spurs haven’t made a move for.
It’s the Spurs, so they always get the benefit of the doubt, but they’re not going to truly contend this year, and with Gasol and Mills deals, there’s not going to be Max money available for next offseason.