Report: Dirk Nowitzki to opt out of contract with Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki plans to opt out of his contract.

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Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki plans to opt out of his contract, according to Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram.

Nowitzki signed a three-year, $25 million deal during the summer of 2014. He previously said he intended to ride out the remainder of the contract. he has until June 22 to decide whether he will exercise his player option.

• BALLARD: Cowboy Way – Dirk still loving the ride

Nowitzki's salary for next season under his current contract would be $8,692,184. He is likely to re-sign with Dallas, where he has spent all 18 years of his career since being drafted with the No. 9 overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft.

“There is not a player that I’ve been around that has his kind of winning software,” Mavericks star Donnie Nelson told reporters. “He’s our Roger [Staubach], our Troy [Aikman], our Mike Modano, Nolan Ryan. That’s who he is, so he deserves the courtesy of the first sit-down.”

Nowitzki, 37, finished the 2015-16 season with 18.3 points, 6.5 points and 0.7 blocks averaged. The Mavericks were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

He will turn 38 on June 19.