Nerlens Noel is a restricted free agent and undoubtedly the best free agent still technically available. His availability is the cause of his consternation. It has seemed like an inevitability for weeks that Nerlens would re-sign with the Mavericks yet no deal has been made yet. According to Eddie Sefko of SportsDay Dallas, the two are still far apart and Nerlens is not happy about it.
However, agent Happy Walters said the Mavericks have yet to come up with a realistic contract offer.
“We’re very disappointed with where things stand,” Walters said. “Nerlens loves Dallas and spent June there working out, but we’re still waiting on a serious offer.”
Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban said only that he cannot go into details about the negotiations.
The lengthy defensive minded big man will in all likelihood be a Maverick next season but it is surprising that the two are still so far off when it comes to a new contract. The Mavs have a fun young team that may have grabbed the steal of the draft in Dennis Smith Jr. Do not expect that to mess up this chance to grow a young team without Nerlens Noel.
