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NBA Rumors: 5 reasons Dirk Nowitzki should sign with Cavaliers

By John Buhler

Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) argues a call with the referees during the second half against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Rockets 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) argues a call with the referees during the second half against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Rockets 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Cleveland needs help in front court this offseason

The Cavaliers will face two primary needs this offseason with regards to roster construction for the 2016-17 NBA season: wing depth and stability in the front court. With key reserve big man Richard Jefferson retiring and former starting center Timofey Mozgov almost certainly going to walk in 2016 NBA free agency, Cleveland has some work to do without having a first round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

One player that Cavaliers general manager David Griffin could entice to join Cleveland that could in a way fill both wing depth and front court stability roles is Dallas’ Nowitzki. On offense, Nowitzki thrives out on the perimeter as a dynamic isolation jump shooter. Defensively, he’s seven feet and can hold his own on the glass and in rim protection.

Given that Cleveland will definitely lose Mozgov in free agency and possibly a few other players like point guard Matthew Dellavedova, the Cavaliers should have enough cap space to bring Nowitzki to Cleveland.

James will have to again take a hometown discount on a one-year deal to bring Nowitzki aboard. Since Nowitzki has repeatedly taken hometown discounts for Dallas owner Mark Cuban and general manager Donnie Nelson, it would be nice to see Nowitzki get paid what he’s really worth in the final contract of his career. Yes, Dallas obviously has Nowitzki’s Bird Rights, but Cleveland could seriously overpay for a player that has James’ admiration. They’ve done it before and they’ll do it again to appease The King.

Next: 3. No issue that Nowitzki is not great defensively.

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