Dallas Mavericks And Nerlens Noel On Thin Ice
The Dallas Mavericks’ front office is being too careful in negotiations to the point of aggravating the only starting-caliber center they have on their roster.
Dallas hasn’t been as active in this year’s free agency, compared to its recent past. The Mavericks’ biggest move this offseason was a no-brainer, which was re-signing Dirk Nowitzki. They signed another forward, Maxi Kleber, from Dirk’s hometown of Wurzburg, Germany — not exactly a roster-shifting move.
Re-signing Nerlens Noel was once said to be Dallas’ priority going into the offseason. This was supposed to be an easy negotiation. The Mavericks were in dire need of a center, and Noel wants to win. A match made in basketball heaven. That’s when life reminds you that assumptions are never safe. The usual suspect of restricted free agency: the Brooklyn Nets, are nowhere to be found after using a bulk of their money in the trade for DeMarre Carroll. The Mavericks most likely would have matched many offer sheets that would have been sent to Noel. Instead, no offers came for Noel, forcing the Mavericks to over-analyze the financial climate for a player of Noel’s stature.
Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson should be careful with their assessment of Noel. However, there are many consequences of drawing out negotiations. Eddie Sefko of Dallas Morning News reported Noel’s agent said, “we’re disappointed with where things stand,” which is not exactly what you want to hear from a person who can persuade his client to take the qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency next year. Although, you can argue that with Noel’s injury-riddled history, he should be more focused on a long-term deal this summer. He, more than anyone else, knows his body and the risk Dallas is taking. Both sides have their own leverage they can use in contract talks.
The market for a defensive-minded center is not as high as it once was. Hell, the market for a center in general isn’t as desired as it used to be. With most teams having a center in play and not needing another big man clogging up the paint, this leaves Noel stuck in free agency limbo. This isn’t saying that Noel is not worth the money; it’s more like the Mavericks have big money tied in with Barnes and Wesley Matthews.
On the flip side, Dallas’ front-court is a defensive nightmare waiting to happen without Noel’s presence. As of right now, the other center on the roster is Salah Mejri — a decent backup, but not a viable starter. Noel and Dennis Smith Jr in a pick-and-roll combo could be devastating to the opposition.
The Mavericks have whiffed on so many centers in free agency that they should know what not to do at this juncture. Noel is worth the risk, even if it’s just for a 2+1, with the third year being a player option. The delayed agreement is only going to hurt the Mavericks in the long run. No reason to sour a relationship with Noel and foil the chance to fill a much-needed spot on the roster.
