Mavericks to release JJ Barea, sign Courtney Lee

The Dallas Mavericks are waiving JJ Barea and signing Courtney Lee.

Per ESPN, The Mavs anticipated releasing Barea, 36, when they signed him to a one-year deal worth the veterans minimum of $2.6 million last month. That gave the team 16 players with guaranteed contracts, one more than the regular-season roster limit.
Sources said Dallas owner Mark Cuban wanted to reward Barea, a key role player on the 2010-11 championship team who has played 11 of his 14 seasons with the Mavericks, for his contributions to the franchise over the years.

Barea remains determined to play in the NBA this season before retiring as a player and pursuing a career in coaching, sources said.