The Dallas Mavericks are still reeling from DeAndre Jordan’s sudden change of heart during last year’s free agency, and this time around, they’re not taking any chances with their new prized recruit, Harrison Barnes.
In a photo tweeted by the team’s owner, Mark Cuban, on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), the former Golden State Warriors forward’s wrist was handcuffed alongside the Mavs’ general manager, Donnie Nelson.
Barnes, who’s seen with a huge grin on his face while proudly wearing a “Dallas” T-shirt, was also joined by the squad’s head coach Rick Carlisle and former Maverick player, Michael Finley.
Welcome to Dallas @hbarnes pic.twitter.com/ZIEOnqYCV1
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) July 7, 2016
The comical gesture came in light of the team’s four-year, $80-million deal with Los Angeles Clippers’ center, DeAndre Jordan, on July 3 last year—only to be left high and dry five days later.
Both parties appeared to have reached a mutual understanding, until Jordan changed his mind before the NBA signing moratorium was over.
Barnes, meanwhile, took to Twitter to address the Warriors organization, after agreeing to a four-year, $94-million contract with the Mavericks.
I just want to thank the entire Warriors organization, my teammates & coaches for the amazing 4 years I’ve had there pic.twitter.com/QDb04pLYci
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) July 5, 2016
The team also made sure to get that deal signed and sealed quickly, taking less than 10 minutes to make it official, according to a report from SB nation. Khristian Ibarrola