By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
2011 NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks said that he is retiring from basketball at the age of 38, in an interview with elnuevodia.com.
“I’m ready. Last year it worked my head and I wasn’t ready,” Barea said. “This year, yes, and I am calm about finishing. I gave it all. To have the opportunity to finish in Puerto Rico, to play in all fields, and to enjoy it with my friends.”
Barea reportedly discussed with Mavs GM Nico Harrison last summer about the possibility of joining the Dallas franchise as part of the coaching staff, though he wasn’t ready to give up playing at the time. The Puerto Rican point guard played for Cangrejeros de Santurce during the 2021-22 season after returning home from a stint in Spain with Estudiantes in early 2021.
The player has confirmed his desire to work as a coach and has previously taken on the player development coach role with the Mavs in 2021. Now, it remains to be seen if the Mavs will present him with an offer to re-join their staff.