Dallas Mavericks to release J.J. Barea: Legend hopes to keep playing

Dallas Mavericks to release legend J.J. Barea on Dec. 10

The Dallas Mavericks do not win the 2011 NBA championship without J.J. Barea. The 26-year-old was the Mavs backup point guard all season until coach Rick Carlisle shifted him into the starting five in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. Barea came up with three key performances as the Mavs won all three games to take home the title.

Barea has long been a fan-favorite and the Mavericks backup point guard. His role shifted last season, though. Jalen Brunson took over as the leader of the second unit, which pushed Barea out of the nightly rotation. The 36-year-old produced when given the opportunity, but those were limited to 29 games.

The Mavericks re-signed the Barea to a one-year guaranteed deal this offseason, but that gave them 16 players. One was always going to be cut before the start of the regular season. Fans found out who on Dec. 9.

Dallas Mavericks to release J.J. Barea on Thursday

Tim MacMahon broke the news on Wednesday evening. See his tweet below.

MacMahon’s article on ESPN notes that Barea plans on playing this season and that he preferred to be cut free sooner in hopes of finding a gig with another team.

It was going to be a struggle to get minutes in Dallas this season. Luka Doncic figures to play 35 a night for the Mavs. Brunson and Trey Burke were both ahead of Barea in the minutes pecking order too. Now, the Mavericks legend is free to pursue an opportunity with another team. Dallas would love to have him back as a coach, but Barea will have to choose that avenue.

It is sad to see Barea go. He was the last member of the 2011 championship team still on the roster. The Dallas Mavericks are in good hands with Luka Doncic leading the charge, but Barea exiting is the end of an era. Here is to wishing him the best moving forward.