NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel, Mavericks 'Headed For An Ugly Divorce'

Nerlens Noel is currently the odd man out in the Dallas Mavericks. Noel's situation becomes more complicated after receiving a DNP-CD treatment from Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle. Will Noel finish the 2017-18 NBA season as a Maverick? When the Mavericks acquired Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers, most people see him as the center of the future in Dallas. Noel, a former sixth overall pick, showed his potential to become a superstar despite suffering multiple injuries in the past. Unfortunately, like in Philadelphia, playing time remains a major issue for Noel in Dallas.

With Dirk Nowitzki playing as Mavs' starting center, Nerlens Noel will be needing to battle for the primary backup role with Salah Mejri. The Mavericks' Saturday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers showed where Noel stood on their roster. The 23-year-old center received DNP-CD treatment from coach Rick Carlisle, who said that "minutes have to be earned."

Carlisle explained that traditional center like Nerlens Noel would have a matchup problem in NBA teams like the Cavaliers. However, Noel believes he can match up on whoever is in front of him. After losing to the Cavaliers, the disgruntled big man only played for two minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"Nerlens Noel and the Mavericks seem headed for an ugly divorce. Noel turned down a contract extension worth four years and $70 million in the offseason, according to his former agent, and instead signed a one-year qualifying offer that will make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. Both sides said the right things about making their relationship work in training camp, but it has quickly deteriorated this regular season."