Dirk opts out of contract

[TripleDipping]

Originally Posted by spreedom

Full audio and selected quotes available here:

[*]If we miss out on option 1 or lose Parsons en route to option 2, I think Dirk should strongly consider hitching his wagon to a contender.[/LIST]

I pray hard that this won't happen. I'll be a fan of his wherever he goes, but seeing Dirk joining another team is going to be weird and painful. I don't want him to go form a superteam somewhere else and ends up being a fifth wheeler and then retire.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by TripleDipping

I pray hard that this won't happen. I'll be a fan of his wherever he goes, but seeing Dirk joining another team is going to be weird and painful. I don't want him to go form a superteam somewhere else and ends up being a fifth wheeler and then retire.

“In my mind, after we won the championship, it was always clear I will retire a Mav.” --Dirk Nowitzki

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/...e68385407.html

[Skywalker]

He’s also never seen a single “Star Wars” film.

Most interesting tidbit of the article. That makes us two

[EricaLubarsky]

Dirk ain't leaving

Mavs will come back to next season better than they were this year.

The only big question I have is how much better will we be?

[rimrocker]

I don't see this year's roster being any worse at the start of this coming season than last year's so I don't see Dirk ever leaving. I think he'd be content staying as a Mav with a legit opportunity to be at least a 6 seed.

Remember we started the season with a huge question mark at center and 3 core players coming off major injuries and still finished 6th so Dirk probably has faith in the FO to put together a team that can at least compete for the 6th spot even if we don't sign any major FAs.

Finishing 6th in the West is not the most appealing situation to a Mavs fan but probably satisfactory to keep Dirk in a Mavs uniform at this stage of his career.
Unless Cuban tells Dirk that he is tearing this thing down and building from scratch with youth, I don't see Dirk leaving this team.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Well the team was inconsistent with just about everything this past season. Will be pretty interested to see how the offense and rebounding are addressed...as I'm sure Dirk will be...

[tap2390]

Folks at DB.com actually had an insightful idea about structuring Dirk's contract so that he earns the minimum this upcoming season, then the max the season after.

Worth a read.

http://www.scout.com/nba/mavericks/s...-contract-idea

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Folks at DB.com actually had an insightful idea about structuring Dirk's contract so that he earns the minimum this upcoming season, then the max the season after.

Worth a read.

http://www.scout.com/nba/mavericks/s...-contract-idea

Yeah, DB is always coming up with team-friendly cap juggling that players never go for... It must be the offseason.

I mean, it's an option, but I doubt Dirk does it unless the ink is already dry on what he considers to be a solid core for the next 2 years -- otherwise it stunts our ability to sign FAs when the cap spikes again in 2017... Gotta hit a home run early this summer to even consider this plan.

Like, if we could sign Parsons/Dwight/Conley, then it totally makes sense; Dirk gets fed with next summer's cap spike... But I'm not sure if it really does much good for us if we don't pull something like that off... I could see 2x$8m for Dirk probably working better for both parties if this summer just ends up being another patch job.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Yeah, DB is always coming up with team-friendly cap juggling that players never go for... It must be the offseason.

I mean, it's an option, but I doubt Dirk does it unless the ink is already dry on what he considers to be a solid core for the next 2 years -- otherwise it stunts our ability to sign FAs when the cap spikes again in 2017... Gotta hit a home run early this summer to even consider this plan.

Like, if we could sign Parsons/Dwight/Conley, then it totally makes sense; Dirk gets fed with next summer's cap spike... But I'm not sure if it really does much good for us if we don't pull something like that off... I could see 2x$8m for Dirk probably working better for both parties if this summer just ends up being another patch job.

Completely agree. Unless a miracle happens with FA/Trades, then I don't see the point. If anything, Dirk should be asking for 20 million a year, and I wouldn't blame him.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Completely agree. Unless a miracle happens with FA/Trades, then I don't see the point. If anything, Dirk should be asking for 20 million a year, and I wouldn't blame him.

That miracle should be at minimum Durant/Howard and when that doesn't happen pay Dirk the $20mil. If we're going to surround him with lower tier FAs we might as well pay him first and then fill out the roster....preferably with young guys with potential.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

That miracle should be at minimum Durant/Howard and when that doesn't happen pay Dirk the $20mil. If we're going to surround him with lower tier FAs we might as well pay him first and then fill out the roster....preferably with young guys with potential.

Idk if it meant Howard, Parsons and D-Will I could see Dirk taking 3-4M this season. Or Howard/Teague/Parsons or maybe even Biyombo/Parsons/quality point guard X.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by rimrocker

That miracle should be at minimum Durant/Howard and when that doesn't happen pay Dirk the $20mil. If we're going to surround him with lower tier FAs we might as well pay him first and then fill out the roster....preferably with young guys with potential.

We already know Durant/Howard isn't going to happen, but a rebuild with an overpaid Dirk is even less likely... Dirk doesn't want to play with a bunch of kids (which is why they can't get off the bench), and Cuban would be an idiot to pay him $20m to do so at his age.

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Folks at DB.com actually had an insightful idea about structuring Dirk's contract so that he earns the minimum this upcoming season, then the max the season after.

Worth a read.

http://www.scout.com/nba/mavericks/s...-contract-idea

I actually made a similar suggestion a while back and think it is a decent notion. Even if we completely strike out on FAs in the off-season the plan can still work because Plan B can be to rebuild from scratch with a team full youth and Dirk gets paid for his sacrifices. Similar to the Kobe situation Dirk can get paid while the team rebuilds with rookies and youth when cap space doesn't mean anything. Cuban can shoot for the moon by trying to get two legit max players and if it doesn't work out then tear it down and Dirk can go out happy one way or another.

It makes perfect sense to me but agree with UnderDog that it probably won't happen.

[mac222b]

Unfortunately I too agree with UD. These things sound great in theory but rarely come to fruition. Maybe Dirk opts out and takes 2yrs for 8m(4m per) with an opt out? If the right players are lined up I could see him doing something like this- giving the team an extra 4M or so to throw at max/near max guys

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by mac222b

Maybe Dirk opts out and takes 2yrs for 8m(4m per) with an opt out? If the right players are lined up I could see him doing something like this- giving the team an extra 4M or so to throw at max/near max guys

I was thinking 2 years at $8m each ($16m total and an opt-out), but that's just going on his current figures.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I was thinking 2 years at $8m each ($16m total and an opt-out), but that's just going on his current figures.

Wasn't sure which way you meant it. Could see him taking a few million less if it means the difference between landing a difference maker or not.

[mac222b]

Biyombo, Meijiri, McGee
Dirk, Barnes, FA
Barnes, JA
Wes, JA, Devin
Teague, JJB, Devin

4 defenders in the starting lineup. 4 guys who can shoot the 3 ball starting. Decent young foundation to build on.

[tap2390]

Three thoughts...

1) Harrison Barnes to a max deal?!?

2) If the rumors are true we simply can't beat the 76'ers offer of Nerlens Noel for Teague, even if Atlanta has to throw in a pick

3) I agree we should try to get younger and build a defense-oriented team

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by tap2390

Three thoughts...

1) Harrison Barnes to a max deal?!?

2) If the rumors are true we simply can't beat the 76'ers offer of Nerlens Noel for Teague, even if Atlanta has to throw in a pick

3) I agree we should try to get younger and build a defense-oriented team

Harrison Barnes is far from my first choice but some team is going to offer him a max deal. He has positional flex, can shoot the 3 and is a good defender. Can guard 3's and 4'sHe's a lot like Chandler Parsons- a better shooter and slightly better defender but not nearly the playmaker. And he's healthier. No reason he couldn't be a good 2nd or 3rd option on a good team.

As of now the Teague thing is just a rumour. I agree we can't beat a Noel offer if it comes to that. But there aren't too many point guard-less teams around so we at least have a shot. If Teague can't be got call about George Hill(hell we maybe could've gotten Hill AND Mahinmi for what we gave up for Rondo) who would give us at least shooting and defense of a good contract just as Teague would provide. Teague a better creator of his own shot which this team desperately needs.

[NeedlesKane]

If the Warriors succeed in recruiting Dirk Nowitzki will you be rooting for Dirk and the Warriors next year? I'm a huge Dirk fan, but I was also a huge Steve Nash fan. I can't say that I rooted for the Suns or Nash in his MVP race, but that's because we still had Dirk. If he leaves I can't really say for sure what I'll do. I feel like I am more a fan of Dirk than the Mavericks organization right now.

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by NeedlesKane

If the Warriors succeed in recruiting Dirk Nowitzki will you be rooting for Dirk and the Warriors next year? I'm a huge Dirk fan, but I was also a huge Steve Nash fan. I can't say that I rooted for the Suns or Nash in his MVP race, but that's because we still had Dirk. If he leaves I can't really say for sure what I'll do. I feel like I am more a fan of Dirk than the Mavericks organization right now.

It was different then. When Finley and Nash left I rooted for the Mavs first but if we couldn't get a title I would've liked for them to get one. Now its completely different. If Dirk leaves.......we aren't a contender anymore at that point so there's no point in holding a grudge against Dirk. He put enough good years in here and got us a ring.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Dirk Nowitzki Rumors: Warriors Reportedly Interested in Star Forward
By Scott Polacek , Featured Columnist Jun 21, 2016

The Golden State Warriors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals and failed to cap off their record-breaking campaign with a championship, and now they are reportedly interested in adding a future Hall of Famer who has experience beating LeBron James with a title at stake.

According to Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News, “Warriors management has circled” Dirk Nowitzki as a potential addition in the offseason.

“We will be very aggressive,” a Warriors executive said when discussing the upcoming offseason, per Kawakami. Adding someone with a resume like Nowitzki’s would qualify.

Kawakami clarified that the Warriors' primary target will be Kevin Durant, but Nowitzki serves as a “next-tier discussion.”

Nowitzki appeared on 1310 The Ticket in Dallas in May (via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com) and announced his decision to opt out of the last year of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks. However, MacMahon reported the forward “has no intention of leaving the team.”

Nowitzki has been with the Mavericks for his entire NBA career, but he is 38 years old and “a little wary of staying in Dallas for a rebuilding process,” per Kawakami.

Joining a Warriors squad that is fresh off two straight appearances in the NBA Finals would give Nowitzki an opportunity to win a second ring and retire on top as one of the best players in his generation.

Kawakami stressed the Warriors' interest in Nowitzki and other potential roster changes would not be a knee-jerk reaction to their Game 7 loss against the Cavaliers on Sunday. Marreese Speights, Leandro Barbosa, Anderson Varejao, Brandon Rush and Ian Clark will be unrestricted free agents in July, while Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli will be restricted free agents.

Ezeli and Barnes both looked expendable in the NBA Finals, though they were important pieces during the regular season. Ezeli averaged 2.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.1 blocks per game in the series, while Barnes shot 35.2 percent in the Finals and went an abysmal 5-of-32 over the final three games.

Nowitzki was the 2006-07 NBA MVP and the 2010-11 NBA Finals MVP when Dallas knocked off James’ Miami Heat. Had he been in the lineup instead of one of those two, the Warriors may have won their second consecutive Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Golden State led the league with 114.9 points per game in 2015-16, and Nowitzki would give the team another proven scorer. He is sixth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list behind some impressive company:

NBA's All-Time Scoring List Rank Player Points
1 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
2 Karl Malone 36,928
3 Kobe Bryant 33,643
4 Michael Jordan 32,292
5 Wilt Chamberlain 31,419
6 Dirk Nowitzki 29,491

The 7-footer can shoot threes (38.1 percent in his career), take advantage of mismatches down low and hit fadeaway jumpers from the elbow. Even at 37 years old in 2015-16, Nowitzki averaged 18.3 points per game in his 18th season in the league.

The Mavericks legend wouldn’t have to worry about the pressure that comes with being the primary scorer if he plays alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. He could also take advantage of openings when opposing defenses focus the majority of their attention on those three weapons.

Nowitzki’s three-point ability would also fit in perfectly with the sharpshooting Warriors, who led the NBA with a 41.6 percent mark from downtown in 2015-16, and he is versatile enough to play power forward in bigger lineups or fill in at center when Golden State goes small.

The Warriors figure to be among the league’s best teams in 2016-17 after winning a record 73 games during the 2015-16 campaign. Adding Nowitzki would only make them more formidable.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...n-star-forward

[tap2390]

Warriors can go fuck themselves. They're not landing Dirk.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Tis the way of this year's free agency. Soon it will be the Spurs, then Thunder, then Cavs, and so on who will be a "serious" suitor for Dirk.

What the Warriors must not seem to understand is the last thing they need is shooting.

[Melonhead]

But Dirk is a reliable shooter, regardless of the moment. I can totally see why they would go after him. Im glad Dirk's name is out there for the publicity. He was efficient as FK this season and its nice to see teams noticing that.

However, its a nice thought, but we know deep down Dirk isnt going anywhere. In some alternate universe that he did go to the Warriors, I would go to Golden State decked in Mavs/Dirk gear to represent.

[Melonhead]

I really think if we can get Parsons, DWill, Howard (barf) signed, we have a good shot in the Western Conference as a 6 seed at worst. WC is trending downward. Its still a gauntlet, especially in the division but Clippers are at a plateau and Grizzlies arent getting younger. Sacramento is the same mess, PHX is the same mess. I could see Portland taking a step back just on the fact that they outperformed this season...A lot can happen in the free agency though.

[Underdog]

GSW would have won a ring this year if they had Dirk... And Dirk deserves another ring.

Man, I have conflicting feelings about this one.

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by Underdog

GSW would have won a ring this year if they had Dirk... And Dirk deserves another ring.

Man, I have conflicting feelings about this one.

Dirk for KLove?

Hang on...



Ok back.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

Dirk for KLove?

Cleveland would definitely benefit from that... Hell, they can just go after Dirk in free agency if they can unload Love somewhere else. Why mess around with Dirk-lite when you can just have the real thing?

[MavzMan]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Cleveland ... can just go after Dirk in free agency if they can unload Love somewhere else.

That's what I was thinking. If Dirk decides to remain a Maverick for his entire career, there is not enough good things that can be said about him. Period.

If he decides to got to Cleveland or Golden State, yes I will be rooting for him/them. I will be like Cuban though ... I will root for the Mavs to beat them when we play them and for them to win every single other game they play including a championship.

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Cleveland would definitely benefit from that... Hell, they can just go after Dirk in free agency if they can unload Love somewhere else. Why mess around with Dirk-lite when you can just have the real thing?

S&T with Cleveland to help them get rid of Love? We get Dirk-lite and see if he flourishes again. Maybe super charge our rebuilding.

:hurlagain:

[yahyes]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

S&T with Cleveland to help them get rid of Love? We get Dirk-lite and see if he flourishes again. Maybe super charge our rebuilding.

:hurlagain:

Why not just pay Howard instead of losing Dirk? Besides that, no to the idea of Love. That screams bad idea when we can just plug in Dwight next to Dirk and give it a try.

[MavzMan]

Actually, this could be a serious addition to both teams. What if GSW lands KD and then Cleveland turns around and adds Dirk?

[yahyes]

This whole Dirk leaving rumor gives me a tired head. No way he leaves even if the Mavs miss out on a title. The team is already established around him. I also think Dirk doesn't want to enter a new system which can put him on a microscope in golden state. That will add too much pressure on having to adapt. He loves it here in Dallas and will walkout like Kobe did. Not talking about injury. But retiring even if the Mavs aren't winning it all next year.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by yahyes

No way he leaves even if the Mavs miss out on a title.

Golden State assumes he's opting out in this scenario -- he would be leaving this summer, not next summer.

The team is already established around him.

This statement couldn't be further from the truth with our constant roster turnover year after year... Hell, the only starter we have under contract next season is Wesley Matthews.

I also think Dirk doesn't want to enter a new system which can put him on a microscope in golden state. That will add too much pressure on having to adapt.

If Dirk can adjust to a completely new roster each season, then I'm sure he can adapt to a completely new system -- especially one that compliments his skill set.

Also, nobody is going to be putting Old Man Dirk under a microscope because nobody would be asking him to carry the team... A situation like Golden State or Cleveland is exactly what he's yearning for in Dallas -- being the 3rd scoring option instead of the 1st. Who's gonna worry about covering Dirk when Steph/Klay or LeBron/Kyrie are on the floor? Dude could play another 3-5 years if there wasn't so much pressure put on him for 86+ games each season.


Don't worry, I'm not saying Dirk is going to leave Dallas -- he obviously loves this franchise/city/fanbase, and that's probably what's going to keep him here... But if he did want to win one more ring, then Golden State or Cleveland would easily be his best chance.

Plus, it's not like Dallas is in the hunt right now, nor is there any indication that we will be in the near-future... If Dirk left to chase a ring, then the silver lining is that Dallas can finally start a serious rebuild instead of constantly re-tooling each summer.

[yahyes]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Golden State assumes he's opting out in this scenario -- he would be leaving this summer, not next summer.



This statement couldn't be further from the truth with our constant roster turnover year after year... Hell, the only starter we have under contract next season is Wesley Matthews.



If Dirk can adjust to a completely new roster each season, then I'm sure he can adapt to a completely new system -- especially one that compliments his skill set.

Also, nobody is going to be putting Old Man Dirk under a microscope because nobody would be asking him to carry the team... A situation like Golden State or Cleveland is exactly what he's yearning for in Dallas -- being the 3rd scoring option instead of the 1st. Who's gonna worry about covering Dirk when Steph/Klay or LeBron/Kyrie are on the floor? Dude could play another 3-5 years if there wasn't so much pressure put on him for 86+ games each season.


Don't worry, I'm not saying Dirk is going to leave Dallas -- he obviously loves this franchise/city/fanbase, and that's probably what's going to keep him here... But if he did want to win one more ring, then Golden State or Cleveland would easily be his best chance.

Plus, it's not like Dallas is in the hunt right now, nor is there any indication that we will be in the near-future... If Dirk left to chase a ring, then the silver lining is that Dallas can finally start a serious rebuild instead of constantly re-tooling each summer.

I know that. But even if he opts out it wouldn't be for another team. Perhaps to Open up as much space as possible for Howard and someone else.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by yahyes

I know that. But even if he opts out it wouldn't be for another team. Perhaps to Open up as much space as possible for Howard and someone else.

But if he opts out, then other teams can come calling... And if it's GSW or Cleveland, then Dirk has to seriously think about it.

I mean: Steph/Klay/Dirk, LeBron/Kyrie/Dirk, Dwight/Parsons/Dirk.

[yahyes]

Originally Posted by Underdog

But if he opts out, then other teams can come calling... And if it's GSW or Cleveland, then Dirk has to seriously think about it.

I mean: Steph/Klay/Dirk, LeBron/Kyrie/Dirk, Dwight/Parsons/Dirk.

Won't happen. No way he leaves to learn a new system with golden state like I said. Not to mention the amount of pressure having to adjust. Him going to the cavs makes no sense either. He's settled here in Dallas. He can at least build on his all time scoring to finish his career here.

A healthy Deron, Wes, Parsons. Dirk and Howard sounds competitive enough for next season. Not long term. But good for one or two years.

[MavzMan]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Steph/Klay/Dirk, LeBron/Kyrie/Dirk, Dwight/Parsons/Dirk.

Pretty funny when you put it that way and even a little better ....

Steph/Klay(/Dirk) - last 2 Finals and a Championship
Lebron/Kyrie(/Dirk) - last 2 Finals and a Champshipship
Dwight/Parsons(/Dirk) - made the playoffs

But yeah, I don't think Dirk leaves because he wants his career to be 100% Dallas at the end.

[spreedom]

Of course the Warriors want Dirk. And of course he'd be completely unstoppable and awesome there, even in a new system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSlzdnL_zjU