Dallas Mavericks likely to sign Nerlens Noel to max extension in offseason

The Dallas Mavericks (23-35) are likely to match offer sheets for Restricted Free Agent (RFA) Nerlens Noel during the offseason, per reports. The Mavs, who acquired Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers during last week's NBA Trade Deadline day, have the right to match any and all offers from rival suitors.

The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) also permits the Mavs to offer Noel a five-year max contract before the atlhetic big man reaches NBA restricted free agency. Recently, the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) and Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz) signed max extensions a year before becoming restricted free agents. With the Dallas Mavericks ownership and coaching staff reportedly excited about Noel, all signs point to the newly-acquired centre making his Dallas his home for the foreseeable future.

The Mavs front office should be able to clear cap room for prospective free agents in July, with hopes of pairing Noel with an All-Star calibre player. Besides the trio of Harrison Barnes (US$23 million, AU$29 million), Wesley Mathews (US$17 million, AU$22 million) and Dwight Powell (US$9 million, AU$11 million), the Mavs have very little committed in salaries, against the 2017-18 projected salary cap of US$103 million (AU$134 million). Dallas owns a US$25 million (AU$32 million) Team Option on veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki, who could very likely walk away from the game at the end of the 2016-17 season. Even if the German star were to return, the Mavs could re-sign him to a discounted deal.

Dallas Mavericks invested in Nerlens Noel as long-term centre

In his first game as a Maverick, Noel had 9 points and 10 rebounds in Dallas' 96-83 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Besides the near double-double performance, Noel showed signs of a formidable defensive presence while guarding Pelicans stars DeMarcus Cousins. and Anthony Davis. Since getting drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013, the Kentucky product was part of a team that registered a grand total of 47 victories through the 2013-14 and 2015-16 NBA seasons.

For Noel, a move to the Dallas Mavericks is the first step towards a fresh start. “I think it’s a very fresh start that probably was needed. It was a tough few years in Philly. Going through that wasn’t easy, but I’m ready to look back and say, ‘Wow, I really feel proud for the way you handled yourself.’ I’m really looking forward to what we have here. The opportunity is coming in the near future," Noel told the Dallas Morning News after Saturday's game.

Meanwhile, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle has enough reason to be elated about Noel's future in Dallas. “Good trade. It’s a good trade for us. And it’ll be good for Philly, too. He helps us in a lot of ways, even in situations where he wasn’t touching the ball with his rolls (to the basket)," the former Coach of the Year said about his team's latest acquisition. Nerlens Noel is averaging 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds from 19.8 minutes per game this season. After playing behind Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, Noel is expected to receive starter minutes in Dallas for the remainder of the season.