As reported by Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the Dallas Mavericks plan to fire veteran point guard JJ Barea. The move would have been anticipated from the time Barea re-signed a year and 2.6 million with the franchise weeks ago.
Apparently, Mark Cuban wanted to reward the 36-year-old for his contributions to the franchise, having played 11 seasons with the Mavericks. However, the journalist has commented that Barea is not considering retirement yet, and remains determined to play in the NBA this season before starting his coaching career.
The move is expected to become official after Thursday’s practice, giving Barea the chance to sign with another team before the start of the 2020-21 campaign. While he’s done well in training camp, the Mavs are focused on giving Jalen Brunson and Trey Burke minutes at backup point guards.
Barea returned last season from an Achilles tendon injury, suffered in January 2019. He averaged 7.7 points and 3.9 assists in the 15.5 minutes he played in 29 games. But his biggest role has been as a valued leader despite not being a regular part of the rotation, mentoring Luka Doncic and other Dallas youth.
The Puerto Rican came to the Mavericks in 2006. He has career averages of 8.9 points and 3.9 assists per game. He ranks fifth among the players who have played the most games with the Mavericks with 637. He is undoubtedly one of the favorite players of the fans. Cuban has repeatedly expressed his desire for Barea to be part of the organization after ending his playing career.
(Cover photo by Kim Klement-Pool / Getty Images)
