Fansided

Dirk Nowitzki remains loyal with another team friendly deal

By Jeremy Lambert

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 /
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In a world where franchise players are traded for better players and other franchise players leave for better teams. Dirk Nowitzki remains loyal.

Dirk Nowitzki is returning for his 21st season with the Dallas Mavericks. Yahoo’s Shams Charania reports that Nowitzki has signed a one-year deal worth $5 million.

Dallas declined Nowitzki’s $5 million team option at the end of the season, making the face of the franchise an unrestricted free agent. No one around Dallas feared Dirk leaving. The only reason it took him this long to re-sign was Dirk showing his loyalty to the organization.

Instead of getting a deal done at the start of free agency, the 40-year-old allowed Dallas to use their available cap space to sign the likes of DeAndre Jordan and go after other free agents. The Mavericks attempted to use some of their free money to give Yogi Ferrell a raise. However, Ferrell backed out of the agreement and signed a slightly more lucrative deal with the Sacramento Kings.

With the free agent market drying up, Dallas went ahead and gave Nowitzki the same amount of money he would have made had the team picked up his option. There must be something about Texas that makes aging players accept team friendly deals. Like Nowitzki, Tim Duncan played for nearly peanuts during his final years with the Spurs. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant set the Lakers back years by making $24 million in each of his last two seasons.

Nowitzki’s numbers have begun to decline as he gets older, but his shot remains as pure as ever. He shot 40 percent from deep last season and 45 percent overall. He averaged 12 points-per-game and 5.7 rebounds in his 20th season.

Next: The Whiteboard: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo the best player in the East?

2018-19 could very well be the last season we see the 7-foot German on the floor. Dallas is going through a youth movement, spearheaded by sophomore Dennis Smith Jr. and rookie Luka Doncic. The potential Dirk and Doncic bromance is one of the most exciting storylines to follow in Texas this season. His minutes and shots may hit a career low this year, but the one-legged fadeaway will remain timeless.

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