Nowitzki expects quick deal with Mavericks, chances he goes elsewhere 'slim to none'

Barring any unforeseen and dramatic circumstances, Dirk Nowitzki will be back with the Dallas Mavericks for a 17th season this fall.

An unrestricted free agent, Nowitzki, contractually, has the option to be wooed by any team in the league, free to sign where he chooses and perhaps chase a second ring. But, as has long been expected, his free agency is merely a formality.

Nowitzki isn't expecting to be on the market long, certain he'll have a deal with Dallas worked out expeditiously:

Usually, we get it over quick. Four years ago, I met with Mark [Cuban] on July 2nd. I don’t like the period of not knowing what’s going on. I don’t like the unknown. Mark and I will hopefully find a good deal for both parties.

We have not had any talks yet, but I’m sure that won’t take a long time.

So it'll be pulled together quickly. But...what if another team comes calling, or the Mavs play hardball? Could he go elsewhere?

"Pretty slim to none," Nowitzki said. "We all know I kind of grew up here in the Mavericks' [organization]."

That's good, because it would be weird to see Nowitzki in any other uniform. After all, he's the franchise's all-time leader in games, points, rebounds, minutes and threes, and it's not remotely close in any category. Short of perhaps owner Mark Cuban, Nowitzki is the Mavericks.

As for what he'll command on the market, that will depend on how willing he is to take a paycut to help keep the team competitive. He earned $22.7 million this past season when he averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 49.7 percent, but Dallas bowed out in the first round of the playoffs and needs to bolster his supporting case.

[Dap: EOB]