Rudy Fernandez Turns Down Offer from Real Madrid

Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Rudy Fernandez will pass on becoming the highest-paid player in the Spanish ACB, the strongest of the European leagues, to remain in the NBA -- at least for now.

According to a report Tuesday on the Spanish sports website Marca.com, Fernandez has decided not to accept a six-year, $26 million contract offer with Real Madrid, meaning he will not return to his home country this season, regardless of how long the NBA lockout lasts.

The 6-foot-6 Fernandez will play out the final year of his contract with the Mavs, and then, according to the report, decide where he prefers to continue his career.