Dirk hopes to play out entire contract with Mavs

Dirk Nowitzki isn't planning his retirement anytime soon.

After signing a two-year, $10-million contract with the Mavericks this summer, the 39-year-old said he has every intention of playing out the entirety of his deal as long as injuries don't get in the way.

"I signed on for two more, so hopefully I can play those two," Nowitzki told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears. "Last year with the Achilles [injury], I missed almost two months. It was frustrating and disappointing. Hopefully, injury-wise it will be a lot better this season and maybe I’ll play another one. We will see how it goes this [season]. We will see how the body feels."

After suffering a right Achilles strain early last November, the future Hall of Famer considered the possibility of retiring at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign, before confirming his plans to return for a 20th season in April.

"As long as I enjoy competing and enjoy the games. … So many practices are tough to motivate yourself for," Nowitzki said. "Games will always be fun. Competing will always be fun."

The 7-foot German averaged 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.7 blocks on 43.7 percent shooting this past season.