Nerlens Noel reportedly rejected an offer worth $17.5 million annually from the Mavericks last summer. Then, he signed his qualifying offer.
Apparently, there wasn’t much mutual negotiation between.
This worked out well for the Mavericks. They sent a message for future negotiations and avoided paying Noel so much.
Questions emerged about Noel’s work ethic. He left the team for weeks to have an non-pressing thumb surgery. Until getting suspended for a drug violation (almost certainly marijuana), Noel’s most notable moment of the season was eating a hot dog.
Perhaps, Noel would have been on a better track if he were happier with his contract situation. But these are too many red flags to ignore.
Though he’s just 24 and has shown flashes of quality play, Noel is unlikely to earn $70 million over the rest of his career. He’ll probably regret that negotiation.
