Report: Mavericks agree to release Derek Fisher at his request

Injured guard Derek Fisher asked the Mavericks to release him so he could spend more time with his family. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

After playing just nine games this season, 38-year-old point guard Derek Fisher will be waived by the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. Fisher asked the team for the release, Stein is reporting.

Fisher, a 16-year veteran with his fifth NBA team, is averaging 8.6 points and 3.6 assists and shooting 43.5 percent from three. He has missed Dallas' last two games with a strained patellar tendon in his right knee, which he said will require a two-week recovery.

The Thunder, Nets, Bulls and Cavaliers were also reportedly interested in Fisher before he signed with the Mavs on Nov. 29. His release will free up a spot for touted D-League prospect Chris Douglas-Roberts.

The move has actually been in the works for a few days, sources said, but the Mavericks asked Fisher to stay with the team until another point guard could be secured. Fisher consented to stay on and played Tuesday night against Philadelphia, only to suffer a strained patellar tendon in his right knee early in the Mavs' home win.

The Mavericks, sources said, will be calling up Chris Douglas-Roberts from the Frisco-based Texas Legends to replace Fisher. Widely rated as the top current NBA prospect in the D-League, Douglas-Roberts is scheduled to play for the Legends in Saturday night's home game against Iowa before joining the Mavericks on Sunday in San Antonio.

In a statement, Fisher said that he made the decision following his injury so that he could spend time with his family.

With this news and the difficulty I have been having being away from my family, I have asked the organization to waive me so I can return home. "I have made decisions in the past, leaving money and opportunity on the table, and I will need to do that again. My family is my priority and that is where I choose to be. I won't close the possibility that I will play again, however for now my family and being close to them remains the priority."

"(Mavericks owner) Mark Cuban has been extremely supportive and has granted me this request. I cannot say enough good things about this organization. From Mark, to Coach (Rick) Carlisle, to the players on the Mavericks' team, I sincerely thank them for the opportunity.