Carlisle ready to plea with Dirk to return, Nowitzki wants to finish contract

With another Dallas Mavericks season ending in the first round of the playoffs, questions invariably turn to the future of 37-year-old franchise player Dirk Nowitzki. Coach Rick Carlisle won't take his veteran star for granted.

"We've got to hope that this isn't Dirk's last game as a Maverick," Carlisle told media after Monday's 118-104 Thunder clincher in Game 5. "I'm ready to get on a plane and go to Germany to recruit him."

Nowitzki reiterated what he's said for some time - that he intends to play out his deal. "I signed on for three years a couple of years ago," Nowitzki said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "My intention has always been to finish the contract."

Nowitzki's deal has an option this summer, but he expects to be back in Dallas for a 19th NBA season. He even hinted in March at wanting to play a 20th season, health permitting.