After keeping him on their roster through the trade deadline, the Mavericks have no plans to buy out Nerlens Noel in the coming weeks, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times (via Twitter).
So far, Noel’s stint in Dallas hasn’t worked out like he or the team had hoped. Acquired in a deadline deal a year ago, the 23-year-old was solid down the stretch last season for the Mavs, but had a frustrating free agency in which he turned down a lucrative multiyear deal and ended up signing his one-year qualifying offer, worth $4.19MM.
Noel hoped a big 2017/18 season would allow him to cash in as an unrestricted free agent in 2018, but he has been slowed by injuries, and has played sparingly even when healthy, averaging 4.0 PPG and 4.1 RPG in 18 games (12.5 MPG).
While a buyout would make some sense, given Noel’s struggles in Dallas and his expiring contract, it doesn’t appear to be in the cards. A thumb injury continues to keep Noel on the shelf for now, but according to Stein, the Mavs are hopeful that the young center will be able to get back on the court after the All-Star break. At that point, the club will take another shot at getting him regular minutes and establishing a role for him, Stein adds.
Let me just be the first to say it…. 3 years, 15M – 76ers. Back-up Joel Embiid like you were supposed to.
Haha no thanks
While a buyout would make some sense, given Noah’s struggles in Dallas and his expiring contract.
You meant Noel. Guess someone is a Knicks fan
Haha, whoops. Think I was reading a tweet about Noah while writing that paragraph. Fixed now, thanks.
Mass should buy out Dirk–he’s done.
Mavs that is.
Dirk is a Mav for life. Cuban ain’t trading him or waiving him.
He had been taking pay cuts and his numbers isn’t even that bad for 5 millions per year.
No way he gets an offer anywhere close to the 4yr/70mil he got last offseason
Not signing that offer has to be one of the most regrettable decisions by a player ever.
Sign and trade after the year is over