DALLAS _ As he said he would on numerous occasions, Dirk Nowitzki is back in the fold for the Dallas Mavericks.
The 18-year veteran forward is putting the finishing touches on a two-year, $40 million free agent contract to continue playing for the Mavs, a source said. The second year of the contract is a player's option.
ESPN first reported the new contract.
Nowitzki led the Mavs in scoring last year with 18.3 points per game and said he would only leave the Mavs if they were in a rebuilding process. But with the Mavs reaching out and verbally agreeing to terms with veterans Deron Williams, Dwight Powell, Harrison Barnes and Seth Curry _ not to mention an upcoming trade for Andrew Bogut _ Nowitzki figured the Mavs were all-in as they try and make another run at a championship before he retires.
Nowitzki opted-out of the final year of his contract last month, and fans quickly feared he would leave and chase a title with another team like the Golden State Warriors. But on Tuesday, Nowitzki put those fears to rest.
Nowitzki, 38, is sixth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 29,491 points and is only 1,929 points away from passing Wilt Chamberlain (31,419) for fifth place on that list.
