Report: Noel signs 1-year, $4.1M qualifying offer to stay with Mavs

It's finally over: Nerlens Noel is staying with the Dallas Mavericks after signing a one-year, $4.1-million qualifying offer, league sources told ESPN's Chris Haynes.

The 6-foot-11 center had turned down a four-year deal worth $70 million that the Mavericks extended on July 1, according to his former agent Happy Walters.

The ensuing contract stalemate dragged out far longer than anticipated, with Noel holding out for a maximum deal valued at about $146 million over five seasons. Entering restricted free agency, the athletic big man was expected to receive multiple max offers, which Dallas would've been able to match.

The Mavericks acquired Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the past trade deadline in exchange for Justin Anderson, Andrew Bogut, and a pair of second-round picks. In giving up so much for the oft-injured big, Dallas banked on his potential to become an elite defender and its center of the future.

Earlier in August, Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki said it was "a little unfortunate" that the former lottery pick remained unsigned. Noel responded to the unfortunate situation by reportedly changing representation, hiring Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.

Nerlens put up 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and a steal in 22 minutes per game in a Mavs uniform. By accepting the qualifying offer, he'll become an unrestricted free agent next summer. In the meantime, though, he's set to earn less this upcoming campaign than he did in 2016-17 when he was on the final year of his rookie deal.