Mavericks Rumors: J.J. Barea to Lakers, Knicks, Heat

The Dallas Mavericks may be losing backup point guard J.J. Barea to free agency.

Barea indicated that he would like to return to the defending champions, but would leave for the right price.

According to the Orange County Register, Barea said if he didn't get adequate money from the Mavericks, he would consider going to the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, or Miami Heat.

The Knicks are stacked at the guard position, which includes new draft pick Iman Shumpert. However, the Lakers and Heat could use a serviceable point guard to complement either Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade.

Barea played key minutes for the Mavericks throughout the playoffs. In Games 5 and 6, Barea was clutch off the bench scoring 17 and 15 points in those games.

The Mavericks will likely do everything they can to sign Barea, since he is the only true point guard to backup Jason Kidd.

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican has played five years in the NBA and Kidd is 38 years old -- and could get injured or even retire after winning a championship this year.

However, the Mavericks have a number of free agents that were important for their title run that they need to sign this year, and may take priority over Barea.

Among them are starters like Tyson Chandler and DeShawn Stevenson and key players like Caron Butler.

Barea made $1.8 million last year and will look to increase that significantly as a free agent.

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