| 14 December 2011
Update (Wednesday):
Less than 24 hours after the Denver Nuggets acquired Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a future second-round pick, Fernandez has apparently had a change of heart about his NBA future.
Instead of seeking a buyout and returning to play for Real Madrid, one phone call helped put Fernandez back together again.
According to Eduardo Schell of Marca.com, Nuggets' head coach George Karl called Fernandez at 5am before Fernandez boarded his flight to Denver from Madrid, Spain. Karl assured the Spanish swing guard he would be his 6th-Man this season.
Now Denver bound, Fernandez tweeted this morning: Destination: Denver!! You have to expect surprises with the NBA.so now to enjoy having fun with my teammates and working hard.
"My return to Madrid is very difficult, because out of there with a" buyout "is very complicated. Now I owe to Denver is the team that has trusted me and I will give everything for the Nuggets," Fernandez told the Spanish site.
"I felt a bit like Pau in the last hours, we are like stickers. I do not understand is that a player like Pau, with everything you've done and all that has earned its path these things happen."
Update (Tuesday):
TUBASKET.com is reporting Rudy Fernandez is on his way to the Denver Nuggets.
ESPN's Marc Stein also with some insight: "Sources tell ESPN that Mavs are in advanced discussions to deal Rudy Fernandez to Denver Nuggets for future draft considerations"
Looks like a done deal -- multiple media outlets confirming Fernandez is on his way to Denver.
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Update (Tuesday):
With the Dallas Mavericks signing free agent guard Delonte West to a contract on Monday night, one league source has said Rudy Fernandez will seek a buyout from the Mavericks.
"It would be the best move for both sides," the source said. "Rudy can be free to keep playing in Spain and the Mavs can go about their season with a sound roster."
Fernandez received his visa today and leaves for Dallas on Wednesday, and will likely discuss further options which could eventually include a return back to Spain to play for Real Madrid.
The addition of West, along with Vince Carter and a full stocked backcourt leaves Fernandez either the odd man out or straight up battling for playing time. He won't be happy with that last option. Still, even though in Portland Fernandez was not pleased with his reduced playing time, he still handled the situation professionally as the season progressed. But that was then. With the success and comfort of playing back in Spain, it's best his trip to Dallas this week includes a return flight.
In the end, Fernandez may get his buyout wish: at $1.25 million, it might be the best deal Dallas makes all offseason.
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Update (Monday):
Yet another twist in the Rudy Fernandez/Dallas relationship.
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Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting the Mavericks are attempting to trade both Fernandez and swing man Corey Brewer in an attempt to create additional cap space. Still talk circulating that Dallas may try to lure Deron Williams to the Mavs next summer. This just might be the first step. If so, Fernandez delay may be for something other than a glitch with his visa (see below). -------------------------- (Original Post) |
The Rudy Fernandez welcome party in Dallas is officially on hold. Again.
This time until next Monday.
But even that date could change in the coming days considering the recent obstacles involved with the former Portland Trail Blazers turned Dallas Mavericks and Real Madrid shooting guard’s visa paperwork.
As of this past Wednesday, Fernandez was the only member of the Dallas Mavericks under contract who was not in Dallas to take his physical and prepare for the start of training camp on Friday.
He was expected to return Dallas on Saturday to attend practice, and now according to HoopsHype Fernandez will fly into town on Monday at the earliest, with “visa issues” keeping him in Spain until then. Fernandez traveled to the embassy on Friday to apply for his visa and was provided the paperwork, but the proper petition from the Mavs apparently didn't arrive on time to speed up the process.
It was a farewell to remember, but a performance by Fernandez to forget last night in Madrid, Spain.
While Real Madrid routed Maccabi Tel Aviv, 88-64, in Euroleague Group C play, Fernandez finished the night scoreless in 23 minutes.
"I am glad I got to play one more game for Real Madrid," Fernandez said after the game.
"The problem was that until this very afternoon I didn't know whether I would fly or not so I couldn't concentrate on the game as I would have wanted to.”
With news of yet another delay Dallas, you have to wonder if Fernandez will play on Sunday when Real Madrid faces Estudiantes of the Spanish League.
Mavs assistant general manager Keith Grant said this week the necessary paperwork was being processed and the team hoped Fernandez would travel to Dallas on Friday. Those plans changed drastically. The visa paperwork problem causing the delay: Fernandez was still listed as an employee of the Blazers on his P1 entertainment visa -- a non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals.
Acquired from Portland in June during a draft day trade, the arrival of Fernandez in Dallas can now be best described as the never-ending journey.
Or at least until Monday.
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