The Dallas Mavericks will be releasing veteran fan-favorite point guard J.J. Barea, according to ESPN’s Time MacMahon.
The Mavs are also planning to sign veteran Courtney Lee, who will take Barea’s spot on the training camp roster, according to the report.
Barea, 36, signed a one-year deal for $2.6 million, the veteran’s minimum, last month but planned to release him. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wanted to reward Barea for his contributions to the franchise over the years.
Barea was a key role player in the Mavericks championship run back in 2010-2011.
While Barea won’t be back with the Mavericks, he intends to continue his NBA career with plans to eventually retire so that he can pursue a career in coaching.
Lee, 35, was a leader for the Mavs last season, and is considered a long-shot to make the roster.
