NBA News: Dallas Mavericks Owner Gives Classy $2.6 Million Send-Off To J.J. Barea

J.J. Barea knows that his NBA career is reaching its crossroads, but he feels he has something left in the tank.

In the league, he has played only for two teams–the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is a familiar figure for the Mavs and was given a one-year guaranteed deal worth $2.6 million.

The deal was Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s way of saying thank you to the 36-year-old guard who was the last remnant of their 2011 NBA title run. The bad news is that he was later released, ESPN reported.

According to Tim McMahon, this move was expected when Barrera signed the $2.6 million contract.

However, Barea is still hoping to continue playing in the NBA. As of this writing, he has not been closely linked to other teams who could use a veteran guard like him.

In the 2019-20 season, he played in only 29 games and averaged 7.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 rebounds. He holds career averages of 8.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 rebounds.

Barea also owns a 46.2% shooting clip from the field and 35.2% from the three-point region.

“It’s a tough day,” Barea said via NBA.com. “It still hasn’t hit me. It’s been an amazing time here in Dallas. I wouldn’t change anything. This city saw me as a kid. This city saw me grow up.”

Whether he plays or not, the Mavericks are not entirely closing the door on Barea. President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson reveals they hope to bring back the Puerto Rican in some kind of capacity once he calls it a day.

“He was a huge part of that championship,” Nelson said. “I think it was really more of an appreciation of J.J. and the amazing things he’s done throughout his career is why we brought him back as the 16th player on the roster and gave him a thank you of sorts."