J.J. Barea Waived by Timberwolves: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Minnesota Timberwolves have set their roster for the upcoming NBA season, and it does not include veteran point guard J.J. Barea.        

According to the team's official site, Barea was waived Monday. Head coach Flip Saunders made this statement about the 30-year-old player:

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We'd like to thank J.J. for his three years in Minnesota. J.J. made our decision incredibly difficult with his play this preseason, highlighted by sparking a 13-point fourth quarter comeback against Chicago on Friday. In talking with J.J. and his representatives over the past few days, we came to the conclusion that this was the best outcome for both parties. He was a consummate professional throughout his time in Minnesota, and we thank him for his leadership both on and off the court. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

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Barea spent the past three years with Minnesota, averaging 10.1 points and 4.3 assists per game in that span, mostly off the bench. Prior to that, the Puerto Rican star spent his first five years in the league with the Dallas Mavericks.

Kent Youngblood of The Star-Tribune noted age was a factor in this decision:

After dealing away All-Star Kevin Love, it makes sense for the team to look toward the future with a number of talented young pieces on the roster. Ricky Rubio will remain the starting point guard for the squad while rookie Zach LaVine will likely benefit the most with additional minutes off the bench.

Meanwhile, it does not seem like Barea will be unemployed for too long. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reported the Mavericks are interested in bringing back their former player:

Interestingly, Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press reported this is a move Dallas wanted to make last season:

The point guard was a member of Dallas when the squad won the 2011 NBA Championship, and he should be able to fit right in and bring some quality minutes to a team hoping to return to the playoffs this season should that move come to fruition.

Gal Mekel would likely be the odd man out for the Mavericks after the Wichita State product failed to establish himself in 31 games last year.  

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