New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis defends Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki. (Photo : Getty Images/Al Bello)
More rumors about the impending offseason emerge as a franchise player could seek his own share of the pie.
Dirk Nowitzki is leaning towards exercising his player option which would make him a free agent. After a great season which showed that he has plenty left in the tank, he may want to ask for a long-term deal-and maybe more money.
He shared his thoughts with the Dallas Morning News (h/t Mavs Moneyball)
"Haven't decided 100 percent, but I've met with Donnie (Nelson) and I just met with Mark (Cuban) once I came back from vacation just seeing what the next few years could bring for this franchise, who's available, what's out there, what's best for both sides," Nowitzki said. "I don't think either side has made a decision yet, but it's probably going to look like it (opting out). Since I felt great and played sort of decent, I might opt out and maybe sign a two- or three-year deal. We'll see how it goes, but that's probably the plan for now."
The German basketball star was likely to ponder retirement after next season but with his consistent play, he now has the leverage to demand a longer deal-probably the last of his career. He is still the franchise cornerstone for the Mavericks and he stated that he would want to win another title.
While no one would think that his opt out means he has plans of leaving Dallas, the Mavs may have to pay up. Dirk has selflessly taken a discount to keep the team competitive but with the salary cap taking an unprecedented rise and the team not likely to contend, he could demand the big bucks.
Less than a day after the opt-out possibility came out, Mark Cuban had this statement as shared by Tim McMahon on ESPN: "Every player thinks it's just going to be a money train this summer. There's a lot of money; there's not THAT much money. ... And I think there's going to be teams that save their money for next year, because it's a better free agent class. People just presume now that everybody's going to get paid a lot of money, and it'll be interesting to see if that happens."
The context of the statement was not given but the timing is intriguing. It is not known whether this is related to Nowitzki's possible decision or just a general observation. Cuban is one of the NBA's biggest spenders and risk takers so this is not the usual reaction expected of him.
