Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki is one of many big names who will hit the open market in 2014, but don’t expect him to change uniforms in the fall. Nowitzki told Sport1 in a recent interview that he will likely re-sign with Dallas on a two or three year deal, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando (via Twitter).
“In the summer I will be free agent and likely extend the contract for two or three years,” Nowitzki told the German TV outlet, according to Sportando’s translation. “As long as the body supports me, it is still fun to play basketball. After the new contract I will be 38 or 39 and I will probably stop. For a few years it will work out all right.”
Recently, outspoken Mavs owner Mark Cuban said that he didn’t expect Nowitzki to ask for too much money on his next contract and added that he would do everything in his power to keep him “forever.” The former regular season MVP and NBA Finals MVP also touched on his relationship with Cuban in the interview.
“It is clear that our relationship is amicable. We had so many ups and downs together. The championship was the best part. Mark has always supported me. Even when things were not going well, he has always told me: ‘You are and will remain my franchise player,'” the 35-year-old said.
The 7-footer is averaging 21.2 PPG with 5.8 RPG per contest this season and is showing no signs of slowing down. Nowitzki’s PER of 23.5 is his best in years, even edging his 2010/11 mark.
I would be shocked if he ends up back with the mavs, he has the rest of his career in front of him and does not need to waste his prime years rebuilding, go to the lakers and places yourself in a situation to win more rings
He’s 35… Dirk is my favorite player, but let’s be honest. He’s got 3 or 4 years MAX left. He’s on the tail end of his career. He’s just playing at a high level. The Lakers are a joke right now. They MIGHT make the playoffs. How would that be any kind of a better situation?
Like Nash did? Lakers suck bro, theyve got one of the worst records in the west. And the Lakers sucked last year too! Dirk is not a sellout. He’ll retire a Mav!