The Cleveland Cavaliers will be an attractive free-agent destination this summer after the franchise ended their championship drought. Veterans who value title chances over money will likely consider taking a pay cut to sign with the Cavaliers this offseason.
And according to Brad Weiss of Sports Illustrated's FanSided, the Cavaliers could eventually add Nowitzki to their star-studded roster. The 38-year-old veteran will become a free agent on Friday after opting out of the final season of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks.
Nowitzki is already in the twilight of his career and is eyeing to win his second NBA championship ring before he retires. The Mavericks, particularly team owner Mark Cuban, will likely do all things possible to convince Nowitzki stay, but the report pointed out that Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert could spoil the long-time partnership.
"Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban will likely do whatever he needs to bring Nowitzki back, so the Cavs may not have a shot here," Weiss noted. "However, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is just as aggressive, and if anyone can make Dirk leave it would be him."
Nowitzki averaged 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in 75 games last season. His game could fit well to the Cavaliers system because of his outside shooting and decent post game for his age. Signing with the Cavaliers will also remove a lot of pressure on his shoulders, as he will be playing with superstars LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.
It remains to be seen, though, whether or not the Cavaliers will make a massive move to nab Nowitzki from Dallas. Cavaliers general manager David Griffin recently told ESPN that he wants to keep their roster intact. "We do intend to keep this group together and see what we're capable of," Griffin said.
However, the Cavaliers could be forced to make moves if one of their free agents -- J.R. Smith, Timofey Mozgov, Matthew Dellavedova, James Jones and Dahntay Jones -- decides to sign elsewhere. Richard Jefferson might not return as well if he decides to call it quits this summer.
Mozgov, who will be an unrestricted free agent, will likely sign elsewhere after playing sparingly for the Cavaliers last season. If he leaves, the Cavaliers will have an open frontcourt spot for Nowitzki next season.
Watch Dirk Nowitzki's career highlights below.