Agent: Noel loves Dallas, but Mavs haven't made 'serious offer'

Nerlens Noel is the latest example of a restricted free agent trapped in an unfortunate bargaining position.

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Noel last offseason to secure his restricted rights, but there seemingly aren't any other bidders, thus leaving Dallas with the upper hand in negotiations. There isn't any rush to bid against themselves.

Noel's only move was to place a statement through his agent Happy Walters.

"We're very disappointed with where things stand," Walters told Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. "Nerlens loves Dallas and spent June there working out, but we're still waiting on a serious offer."

Noel's other bargaining maneuver would be to accept his qualifying offer of $10.9 million and become an unrestricted free agent next season. But that would be a huge risk given his lengthy injury history.

The Mavericks have two roster spots remaining, with one presumably earmarked for Noel, who averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, one steal, and one block in 22 minutes per game last season.