Dirk Nowitzki Will Set An NBA Record With His Return To The Mavericks Next Season


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Dirk Nowitzki really will be a Maverick for life. The Dallas Mavericks’ franchise cornerstone is coming back for another season, a decision that was made formal on Monday when he signed a contract with the only NBA team he’s ever played for.

The Mavericks declined their option for Nowitzki in June, but there was little question that they would bring the franchise centerpiece back for at least one more season if he was open to the idea. Last week it was rumored that the two sides were close on a deal, and on Monday it was reported that they had agreed on a one-year, $5 million contract.


It could be his final year in the NBA, and if that’s the case, he would have played his entire career with Dallas. In fact, his 21st season with the Mavs will set an impressive bit of NBA history.

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Nowitzki was tied with Kobe Bryant for the most seasons spent with the same team, but Dirk will set his own mark this fall. Once he officially plays in a game during this upcoming season, he’ll be tied with three players — Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, and Kevin Garnett — for the most career seasons. Getting two decades of anyone as talented as Nowitzki is a gift, and it’s good to see that both sides saw a way to keep him with the franchise while in the later stages of his career.