Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel hasn't gotten much throughout his tenure. After a trade last February brought him to Dallas, he did not get the role he envisioned getting. And although he wanted a max salary, he didn't get that either and ended up returning this season on a qualifying offer.

Then Noel suffered a thumb injury that has kept him out for much of the season before returning about two weeks ago. He has played in only 24 games this season and been the subject of multiple trade rumors.

But there is a silver lining for Noel's situation. By signing the qualifying offer, he ensured he would be become an unrestricted free agent this summer. It allows him to test the market and see if there will be any suitors willing to pay him what he feels he deserves.

Noel said he wants to enter free agency this summer with a clear head, per Isaac Harris of Mavs.com.

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“Definitely just an open mindset. Different type of free agency. Little more broad now,” Noel said in reference to being an unrestricted free agent. Once this summer ends I’ll be working harder than I’ve ever worked. Just growing in this league and being older. Getting the priorities right and evolving. My mindset has only grown stronger in what I really want in life and want from this game. Right when the season ends I will strictly be working on my game and staying to myself and just letting things play out.”

Noel is still a young player, and he was drafted an in the lottery. Injuries have derailed his career a bit, but there is no reason he can still be an asset to a team with his size, youth and athleticism.

But unrestricted free agency for a player with injury history and a lack of shooting ability is a major risk. Time will tell whether he can fit in today's NBA.