Dirk Nowitzki said Tuesday that he believes Ellis will opt out of the final year of his contract, Earl Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Dirk Nowitzki said Tuesday that he believes Ellis will opt out of the final year of his contract, Earl Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

While Nowitzki admitted that he hasn't spoken to Ellis about the decision, he said he expects the guard to opt out in hopes of landing a longer-term deal. Ellis holds a $9 million player option for next season, and rumors have swirled for several months now suggesting Ellis will, indeed, decline the option. It's unclear whether Ellis will look to return to Dallas, but the Mavericks would likely welcome him back at the right price. The 29-year-old averaged 18.9 points, 4.1 assists and 2. 4 rebounds in 2014-15 while shooting 44.5 percent from the floor.