As the Dallas Mavericks continue searching for the perfect formula for their ongoing rebuild, one thing has remained constant: Dirk Nowitzki’s willingness towards taking a pay cut.
Nowitzki has been doing this the last few years and is set to do so again as the Mavs prepare for an important free agency period. Of course, the crop for the Mavs is highlighted by center DeAndre Jordan who they are currently the clear favorites for. According to Dallas News’ Eddie Sefko, Nowitzki is on board with bringing in Jordan, even though it means he may have to take another minor pay cut.
Sources have said Dirk Nowitzki is on board with the DeAndre Jordan move. Him giving up maybe only $600K is not a problem.
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) June 29, 2018
The sides seem to understand the juncture they are currently at, with the Mavs desperate for additional talent while Nowitzki’s career dwindles down and is now in its final years.
In order to orchestrate the pay cut with a brand new deal, NY Times’ Marc Stein reports that the Mavs have declined the German big’s $5 million player option for next season, paving the way for a restructured contract and more spending money in free agency.
The Dallas Mavericks on Friday night declined Dirk Nowitzki’s $5 million team option for next season to make him a free agent and maximize their financial flexibility this off-season, according to two people familiar with the decision.
The move was mutual, and a new contract for Nowitzki is expected in July, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the decision publicly.
The Mavericks spent much of the week trying to arrange a trade for Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, but it was dependent on Jordan invoking his $24.1 million player option for next season…
By declining Nowitzki’s option for 2018-19, Dallas can potentially create about $28 million in salary-cap space this summer for the pursuit of Jordan and other free agents.
A lifelong Dallas Maverick, it should come with little surprise that Dirk Nowitzki has opted to make another personal sacrifice for the betterment of his team. We’ve seen this time and time again from the 40-year-old stretch forward, and he will do so again heading into his 21st season with the franchise.
