Derek Fisher will begin his second stint in as many seasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday against New Orleans. The 38-year-old had played nine games this season, all with Dallas, before requesting his release Dec. 22.
Fisher joining a contender two months later has Mavs owner Mark Cuban upset.
Cuban was “agitated” by the recent transaction, according to NBA.com’s Jeff Caplan. Caplan also reported that Fisher’s representatives didn’t contact the Mavericks front office to discuss a return to Dallas.
Fisher, who started all nine games he played, averaged 8.6 points and 3.4 assists per game for a Mavericks team that is 4 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference as of Tuesday morning. He rejoins the Thunder after appearing in 20 games off the bench last season. He will serve as the backup point guard now that Eric Maynor has been traded.
Not only does Fisher join a championship contender, but it also means the 17-year veteran will remain the president for the NBA Players Association.
Fisher will reportedly wear No. 6 in search of his sixth title.
Photo via Facebook/Derek Fisher
