What It Means:

While this is definitely an interesting fold in the Noel market, the Dallas Mavericks can match any offer the restricted free agent receives. And Dallas has already made its intentions known about re-signing Noel. Nonetheless, if they want to avoid paying top dollar the Hawks might have found their replacement for Dwight Howard.

In 51 games spread across the Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers, Noel averaged 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. His final nERD of 3.9 positioned him second on the Dallas roster and 19th among NBA centers.