The Mavericks have made the mutual decision with Dirk Nowitzki not to exercise their option for the coming season, which will ostensibly make the franchise icon a free agent on July 1.
He won't be for long.
A source said Sunday what has been assumed for weeks _ that the Mavericks will opt out of the $25-million second season on his two-year deal signed last summer.
In its place, the sides will agree to a new two-year deal, likely with a similar opt-out for the team next summer. The salary will be determined when the Mavericks take stock of how much they have left under the salary cap after re-signing Nerlens Noel and whatever other free agents they pursue.
The Mavericks had to make a decision on the final year of Nowitzki's contract by June 29. That wasn't much of a deadline since the two sides have known for weeks that the opt-out was a likelihood. And Nowitzki was fine with whatever helps the franchise improve the roster.
Nowitzki has said he wants to play the upcoming season, which will be his 20th with the Mavericks, and then see how his body and mind feel before determining whether he'd play beyond that.
He said on Friday that he's enjoyed his career _ including the current rebuilding process.
"When I signed on to finish my career here, I also signed on for the possibility that we could have a rough year, we might have to play a bunch of young guys," Nowitzki said. "And it's been fun. Playing with young guys can be challenging and (hard to) keep your patience. But it also brings big joy when you see them succeed. That's a rush.
"At the end of the day, I just saw myself being with this franchise for so long that whatever this franchise is going through, I want to be right there to push through."
