Fansided

3 potential landing spots if Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks can’t agree on new contract

By Peter Bukowski

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 1: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks watches from the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 1, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 98-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dirk Nowitzki
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 1: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks watches from the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 1, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 98-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dirk Nowitzki /
facebooktwitterreddit

Marc Stein reported Friday night the Mavericks declined Dirk Nowitzki’s option for the 2018-19 season in order to put together a new deal. But what if Dirk wanted out to chase a title? These places could be appealing fits.

Dirk Nowitzki isn’t going anywhere. We should start there. Marc Stein of The New York Times first reported Friday the Mavericks would decline their long-time star’s option to negotiate a new contract, presumably to repay Dirk for all the money he’s left on the table over the course of his contract.

With one of the few war chests of money in free agency, the Mavs can absorb a bigger hit for Nowitzki, the face of their franchise who is no longer the team’s best player. But what if Dirk decided he wanted out? What if he wasn’t interested in a rebuild and wanted to chase a title or two before he calls it quits on what is sure to be a hall of fame career?

Here are three potential landing spots for him this offseason. And remember, this is just for fun. Dirk is playing in Dallas until he retires.

Probably.

Milwaukee Bucks

This would be the ultimate in symmetry given the Bucks infamously traded Nowitzki to the Mavericks for Robert “Tractor” Traylor on draft night 20 years ago. Who better to help Giannis Antetokounmpo with his jumper than another 7-footer from across the Atlantic?

Giannis already borrowed the one-leg fading jumper from Dirk, so why not have the big German teach him a couple other tricks? Nowitzki would be able to come off the bench, space the floor and give Milwaukee second unit some buckets. No, he’s not going to play any defense, but that’s why Milwaukee pays guys like Tony Snell, John Henson, Thon Maker and Malcolm Brogdon.

This would be great if for no other reason than it rights the wrong made by the Bucks two decades ago.

Golden State Warriors

No one can ever accuse Nowitzki of being a front-runner. He never demanded Mark Cuban get him more stars in Dallas, never insisted on a super team or a big three. In fact, it was Dirk and a band of misfit toys who took down LeBron’s first Heatles super team in a Finals that will forever hang over the head of King James.

No one would begrudge Dirk a chance to chase a title like this, and you can just picture him hitting trailer threes as Klay and Steph fly down the court to put pressure on the defense. Nowitzki saunters up the court, steps into a trey at the top of the key … splash.

If he’s going to ring chase, it can’t be in Houston or San Antonio because of the in-state rivalry, or with the Lakers given how many battles the Mavericks have had with L.A. in the playoffs over the years. But this bit has some symmetry too: The Warriors knocked off the No. 1 seed Mavericks the year Dirk was MVP in one of the biggest upsets in playoff history.

Next: DeAndre Jordan opts out, becomes free agent

Philadelphia 76ers

This may just be the best option. No history here, no symmetry or amusing NBA history to wrap up, just a great chance to win the East and compete for a title. Philly could go five out with Embiid next to Dirk, and with all the defenders the Sixers have, Nowitzki’s issues on the defensive end of the court can be mitigated.

Remember, this isn’t a player who is going to be giving any team 35 minutes a game. He’s coming in to play spot minutes, drain some jumpers and maybe grab a few rebounds. The 76ers already have a deep bench, but couldn’t Dirk play the Ersan Ilyasova role? It wouldn’t so much be “energy” off the bench. Nowitzki has never been that guy, but a big who can spread the floor, shoot it, and rebound.

Given the composition of this team and the young players on it, a veteran who has been through the wars but isn’t going to be the kind of outspoken leader who upsets the chemistry of the team would be exactly the type of player Brett Brown would love to have.

Home/NBA Free Agency