Dirk Nowitzki is a free agent, but don’t expect him to leave the Dallas Mavericks.
Dirk said after his Mavs were eliminated from the postseason that he plans on returning to the only team for whom he’s played. He also said he’s planning on figuring out a deal that will allow the team plenty of flexibility to bring in other good players so they can remain competitive.
“We want to get better as a team,” Nowitzki said via the Dallas Morning News. “And I’m pretty sure I’m not going to sign Kobe’s deal – unfortunately (Bryant signed a two-year, $48-million extension). “We’ll find a good way where I feel respected for what I did and we still have enough money left for us to get great players in here. Cubes has been great to me and been loyal to me for a long, long time. I’m sure we’re going to find a great solution for everybody.”
Dirk made $22.7 million this season, so he does have plenty in career earnings, but that also means he’s used to getting paid a ton. Will he take half that amount to give the Mavs the chance to build around him? Possibly. But it just goes to show you the difference in attitude. Kobe felt like he should be paid what he deserves based on his value to the franchise and that building the rest of the team is a YP for Mitch Kupchak, not an MP. Dirk thinks in a team mentality and is willing to take less to make the team better. It’s an admirable stance from Dirk.
