Dirk Nowitzki Announces He Will Retire After 2018-19 Season

Nowitzki made the announcement after the Mavericks' win over the Suns on Tuesday night.

Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki announced on Tuesday night that he plans to retire after the 2018-19 season.

Nowitzki made the announcement following the 120–109 win over the Suns in Dallas. 

"As you guys might expect, this is my last home game," he told fans.

Dirk officially announces he will retire at season's end pic.twitter.com/IE33N6Ei6O

— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) April 10, 2019

The ninth pick in the 1998 NBA draft, Nowitzki spent 21 seasons with the Mavericks, leading the team to 15 playoff appearances and its first and only championship win in 2011. Earlier this season, Sports Illustrated's Jake Fischer explored how difficult it was for Nowitzki to prepare for games as a 40-year-old. Nowitzki told reporters postgame he officially made his decision a few days before Tuesday night's game due to lingering ankle issues.

Nowitzki is a 14-time All-Star and a 12-time All-NBA team member. He was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2007 and the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2011.

The Mavericks will play their final game of the 2018-19 season against the Spurs on Wednesday night in San Antonio.