Nerlens Noel Reportedly Turned Down Mavericks Contract Offer at $17.5M Per Year

Adam Wells @adamwells1985Featured ColumnistAugust 23, 2017

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 4, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Nerlens Noel continues to search for a contract as a restricted free agent, but the Dallas Mavericks reportedly made a lucrative offer to the 23-year-old that he turned down.

Per Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Noel rejected a Mavericks contract offer in the range of $17.5 million per year at some point this offseason.

The Philadelphia 76ers traded the former first-round pick to the Mavericks on Feb. 23.

Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders reported Monday that Noel changed representatives by hiring Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.

Chris Barnewall of CBS Sports said Noel's decision to switch agents in the middle of free agency, especially at this late date, is "unprecedented." Barnewall added that Paul represents stars like LeBron James and Eric Bledsoe but is "also known for very long holdouts."

Dan Feldman of NBC Sports noted in May that the Mavericks can offer Noel a max contract of $146 million over five years, while other teams can offer $109 million over four years.

In 22 games with Dallas, Noel averaged 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds. As a restricted free agent, he can sign an offer sheet from any NBA team, and the Mavericks would have the option to match.