What It Means:

Nowitzki did reiterate his plan to remain in Dallas, so this isn't about to be a free agent bidding war. What this does mean, however, is that the Mavericks will now face some very real pressure to construct a winner around their most important player, and it's very possible that DIrk won't be as kind with a discount this time around after playing for far less than market value in each of the last two seasons. The third-year option Nowitzki is set to decline is worth approximately $8.7 million.

The 37-year-old Nowitzki has continued to defy aging. He averaged 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in 31.5 minutes per game this season. He owned a 50.4 Effective Field Goal Percentage and ranked 42nd in the league with a 4.1 nERD.