Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki: Set to opt out of deal

Nowitzki said Monday that he plans to opt out of the final year of his contract this offseason, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Nowitzki has made it clear that he intends to return to the Mavericks, but it looks as though he'll attempt do so on a new contract. The soon-to-be 38-year-old can still change his mind and opt into his current deal for $8.7 million in 2016-17, but he'll have to make a decision no later than June 22. Nowitzki had initially intimated that he would play out his current contract before evaluating his career plans, but after a strong season in which he averaged 18.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, Nowitzki will likely seek a restructured deal after taking a considerable discount two summers ago. Assuming Nowitzki does opt out, it's highly improbable that the Mavericks would allow him to walk as a free agent considering his place as the unquestioned best and most important player in franchise history.