The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly informed Dirk Nowitzki that they are declining his $25 million option for the 2017-18 season. Instead, the franchise hopes to work out a new deal with the German superstar, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports.
“…sources told ESPN that the club will work with Nowitzki next month to structure a new deal to his liking. A two-year deal is an option being strongly considered, sources said, despite the fact Nowitzki has made it clear that he wants to make decisions on a season-by-season basis at this stage of his career.”
The Mavericks have some big decisions to make. Most notably, Nerlens Noel is a guy that needs to be accounted for, and the team reportedly has made signing him to a long-term deal its top priority.
Dallas used its No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to select point guard Dennis Smith Jr.
The Mavericks want to build around Noel, Seth Curry, Harrison Barnes and Smith Jr., though as Stein reports, they are not currently planning on making a run at the top free agents on the market this summer.
Any deal Nowitzki signs will likely be his last, as he wants to retire as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.