Nerlens Noel called this summer the “biggest offseason” of his life, and it looks like he’s already getting a head-start on improving alongside his new teammates.

Noel, 23, has already been in the gym with some of the other Mavericks, not wasting much time after the end of the 2016-17 campaign. This summer will be an unusual one around these parts, because in recent seasons the Mavericks have had numerous unrestricted free agents on the roster. This time around, however, 14 of the 15 players are either under contract next season, or the Mavs have a team option to extend them another year if they choose. Noel is the one who isn’t. He’ll be a restricted free agent this summer.

The Dallas decision-makers have said many times they hope to retain the young center for the long-term. The club acquired him at the trade deadline in exchange for Justin Anderson, Andrew Bogut, and a conditional first-round draft pick which ultimately became two second-rounders. The negotiating period won’t begin until July, but Mavs proprietor Mark Cuban pointed to Noel’s involvement in informal team workouts on a recent appearance on the Ben & Skin Show on 105.3 The Fan.

“I’m not allowed to talk about [negotiations] but all I can tell you is he’s one of a bunch of guys who came in, they all got together and said ‘Let’s go down to the practice facility and start working out together,'” Cuban said. “So they’re down there now and so that’s exciting to see, and he’s part of that group.”

During his exit interview, Noel said he’d enjoyed his short time with the Mavericks, despite the club’s failure to qualify for the postseason. Still, Dallas pulled off a six-month youth movement while still staying within striking distance of a playoff spot, and hopefully with another offseason of activity, the Mavs can assemble a team capable of returning to the playoffs in Dirk Nowitzki’s 20th season.

“I love Dallas. In my short time here, I’ve really enjoyed it,” Noel said. “I think it’s been a great time. And with the pieces that we have and the opportunities that could be seen in the near future, I think there’s a lot to be excited for. But obviously, there’s some things that will be worked out, most likely, and we’ll just go from there.

“I think I built a lot of chemistry. I think Philadelphia was a little different situation, with guys coming in and out, and just trying to find the right niche with young guards that can play. But this team had a veteran group that already knows how to play pick-and-rolls. I know they’ve had Brandan Wright and Tyson, so they’re experienced guards. And I think it was something I definitely needed. It’s something that will continue to grow, assuming things go the way they should into next year.”

The Mavericks front office is excited about the club’s youth, and it appears Noel also recognizes the potential of this group.

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