Nerlens Noel Reportedly Mavericks' Top Free-Agency Priority over Jrue Holiday

ESPN's Marc Stein reported Saturday that the Dallas Mavericks' top priority in free agency is to retain restricted free agent Nerlens Noel.

Stein added that keeping Noel in the fold is of greater importance to the Mavs than pursuing free-agent point guard Jrue Holiday.

Stein noted the Mavericks are focused on keeping their young core together.

Dallas acquired the 23-year-old Noel in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

In 22 games with the Mavs, Noel averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest.

The Mavericks relied on the undrafted Yogi Ferrell to carry much of the load at point guard last season, and they addressed the position in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft Thursday.

With the No. 9 pick, Dallas selected the supremely athletic Dennis Smith out of North Carolina State.

Holiday, however, would provide an instant boost, having averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game last season for the New Orleans Pelicans. On the other hand, Noel brought a dimension to the Mavericks that they otherwise lacked.

Noel has the potential to become an elite rim protector, and Dallas doesn't have another center on its roster who brings that to the table.