Dirk Nowitzki has been the face of the Dallas Mavericks since joining the team back in 1998. He has helped lead the Mavericks to 12 consecutive playoff appearances and the franchise's only NBA championship in 2011. After a struggling start to the 2012 season, many believed that Nowitzki would be leaving Dallas at the end of his current contract. However, after a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Nowitzki took time to declare his loyalty with Dallas and wants to play through at least the 2015-16 season.
Nowitzki spent the start of the season on the bench with a knee injury missing the first 27 games. Since returning, he has struggled to acclimate himself back into the lineup. At 34, Nowitzki said he toyed with the idea of maybe being forced to end his career following surgery on his right knee during the offseason.
"Honestly, I had some doubts here when I came back. It took so long. Is it ever going to come back? It was a tough stretch for me coming back from the surgery, but the way I feel now, I still think I can play a couple of years," Nowitzki said.
This will be reassuring to Dallas fans everywhere. Nowitzki is reaching the end of his current four-year contract. He is set to earn $20.9 million this season and $22.7 million next year before becoming a free agent in 2014. It is unlikely he can resign a contract for that kind money at his age. The Mavericks will have to do some negotiating on their end. Nowitzki is doing everything to stress his desire to remain with the team for the long-term.
"When my contract's up, I'm 36 and I'll definitely sign a couple more years. It's still fun, but I don't know if I'll play until 40. But when I'm 36, definitely sign one more deal, maybe two or three years," Nowitzki said.
Earlier this season, Nowitzki expressed his concern with management's long-term plan for the team and even mentioned the possibility of being traded. He has since retracted that statement, saying he would like to retire with the Mavericks. Owner Mark Cuban intends on making that happen.
"I want him to come back forever. I'll keep signing him until he's 73 if he wants to keep on playing," Cuban said.
The Mavericks are currently putting together a disappointing season. They sit at 25-30 on the season and are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Due to injury, Nowitzki had his 11-year All-Star streak snapped. He is averaging 16.0 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 43.5 percent from the floor. These are his lowest statistics since his rookie season in the league.
Nowitzki laughed off the idea that he could sign for superstar money again with his next contract. He says it is too early in the negotiations to even discuss money.
