Throughout his 14-year NBA career, J.J. Barea has been a model of consistency — the 5-foot-10 guard has mostly come off the bench to dish dimes, score a bit and hit from distance. He was always a leader in the locker room.
That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s extremely valuable in the NBA, and Mark Cuban knows it.
Barea’s spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and helped them to win a title in 2011 with his performance in the NBA Finals. This fall, he re-signed with the Mavs for one year and $2.6 million … and now, per ESPN, he’s going to be released.
Why would the Mavericks do that after giving him millions to stay? The reported answer is awesome:
Filed to ESPN — Sources: Mavs plan to release J.J. Barea on Thursday. Mark Cuban knew this move was likely when Barea signed a 1-year, $2.6M deal last week but wanted to reward him for his impact over 11 years with Mavs. Barea, 36, still hopes to play in NBA this season.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 9, 2020
That’s right: Cuban gave him a $2.6 million thank-you. Amazing. NBA players and others loved the move:
Gotta love it. When it's deeper than " just business" salute @mcuban ! https://t.co/xbB6XNeDAH
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 10, 2020
Off the STRENGTH!!! That’s love. JJ paved the way for guys like myself to get a chance… 2011 playoff run https://t.co/cqCc8CYMQf
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) December 10, 2020
Mark Cuban is really the best https://t.co/LeArAJc9y2
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) December 10, 2020
J.J. Barea deserves this send off. I love the guy and he gave everything he had to the Mavs. If it was up to me, his name would be hanging in the rafters next to the ‘11 Championship banner. Thank you @jjbareapr ! 🇵🇷and thank you @mcuban ! #MFFL https://t.co/WzIeVOs8n2
— Jeff Alexander (@RetroJeffro) December 10, 2020
What a classy move.
