As all the talk around the NBA continues to surround Kevin Durant’s “lack of loyalty” in leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, another upper-echelon player has decided to remain with his original team.
Dirk Nowitzki re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a two-year, $40 million deal earlier this week, a contract that will keep him in Dallas through his 20th season in the NBA.
There are very few players in modern NBA history that can say this. Kobe Bryant retired this past season after 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Meanwhile, if Tim Duncan decides to return to the San Antonio Spurs, his career with them would span two full decades.
As it relates to Dirk, not only has he remained loyal to the Mavericks, he’s given up a huge chunk of change in the process.
Guess Dirk wasn't hungry… https://t.co/HvLgB5vqb4 #MFFL pic.twitter.com/hQ25sOL3Ba
— SportsDayDFW (@SportsDayDFW) July 6, 2016
Nearly $79 million is an absolutely absurd amount of money to leave on the table. It, however, shows the dedication this future Hall of Fame big man has shown for his original franchise.
Though, it must be noted that Dirk isn’t necessarily going to be finding himself panhandling anytime soon.
Including the $40 million he’s set to earn on his new deal, Nowitzki will end up earning $256 million over the course of his career.
In keeping with the Durant-themed debate, it’s also important to note that the new Warriors forward will have ended up leaving $60-plus million on the table long term by choosing to leave the Thunder. Just some food for thought right there.