Former longtime Mavericks guard J.J. Barea signs with team in Spain

Former Mavericks guard and NBA champion J.J. Barea has signed a deal to play for Estudiantes in Spain’s Liga Endesa, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.

The Mavs had signed Barea to a veteran’s minimum deal in November before waiving their longtime guard. Owner Mark Cuban indicated the offer was extended to Barea as a reward for his 11 years of service to the club.

Last season with the Mavericks, Barea averaged 7.7 points and 3.9 assists in 15.5 minutes across 29 regular-season contests. Barea suffered a torn Achilles tendon back in January 2019.

As Stein noted, Barea hopes to return to the NBA and could use his time in Spain as a showcase to NBA teams ahead of the May 18 start date for the playoffs.