As he said he would do, 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki has reportedly opted out of his $8.7-million player option with the Dallas Mavericks, thus making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1, sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.
During an appearance on 1310 The Ticket last month, the 38-year-old let it be known that he intended to exercise his opt-out, and that he would meet with both owner Mark Cuban and general manager Donnie Nelson to discuss how to improve the franchise.
Despite his concerns, Nowitzki assured everyone that he wants to remain in Dallas, especially considering he already has a championship ring from 2011 and doesn't need to chase a title to solidify his career.
If he has in fact opted out, Nowitzki will likely sign a two- or three-year contract and end his run in the league once it runs out.
Coming off their recent defeat in the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors will reportedly make The Germanator one of their free-agent targets this summer.
In 75 appearances last season, Nowitzki averaged 18.3 points on 44.8 percent shooting from the field and 36.8 percent from deep, along with 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 31.5 minutes. The Mavericks qualified for the postseason with a 42-40 record, but fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the opening round.
Dallas hasn't won a playoff series since the team hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy five years ago.
