The Dallas Mavericks fully intend on extending their long-term relationship with Dirk Nowitzki, but they are going to put him on the backburner until a few things get sorted out. Nowitzki has made it known that he intends on re-signing with Dallas rather than test the market as a free agent. While the veteran is a priority for Dallas, he is not their top priority. That spot belongs to Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony took his free agency tour to Texas which included the Houston Rockets and then a stop off in Dallas where Mark Cuban is sure to pull out all the stops in his pursuit. Until then, Nowitzki must wait for his turn at the contract negotiations. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Mavericks and Nowitzki have agreed to hold off on contract negotiations until the team has a grasp on what Anthony plans on doing in free agency. The two sides had been talking for some time on a new deal, but had yet to agree to anything.
At 36, Nowitzki is aware he does not have long in the league and is prepared to take a significant pay cut from his $22.7 million salary that he earned last season. He continues to stress that he will not be leaving Dallas, no matter how long negotiations take.
"Cubes (Mavs owner Mark Cuban) knows I don't want to go anywhere and he doesn't want me to go anywhere," Nowitzki said, via ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. "We're guessing that will be over pretty quick and then we can focus on making this franchise even better. This deal is not going to be about squeezing out the last dollar. We'll just have to wait and see what the years and the final number is, but I'm sure it will be respectable for both sides."
But what happens if the Mavericks do not sign Anthony? That would be the team's third year not signing a marquee player. Their attempts at getting both Deron Williams and Dwight Howard failed and with competition for Anthony's attention, this could easily fail as well. What is the Mavericks' backup plan?
ESPN.com reports that Chandler Parsons is the favorite if Anthony does not sign. He is currently a restricted free agent and while the Houston Rockets plan on matching any offer for him, the Mavericks could come in with a big deal. Gordon Hayward is another favorite and another restricted free agent in which his respective team plans on matching any offer. Luol Deng could be the most realistic option for the Mavericks.
