- Dirk Nowitzki was an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2014-15 season
- The Lakers and Rockets offered Dirk max contracts worth $92 million to sign with them
- Nowitzki opted to stay in Dallas for a 3-year, $25 million deal despite being offered less money
Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly the biggest legend in Dallas Mavericks’ history. The German big man was one of the most skilled players in the league, helping redefine the role of a traditional NBA big. Nowitzki was able to lead the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship, one of the greatest accomplishments in league history.
But in 2014, there was a chance Nowitzki would end up leaving Dallas. Heading into the 2014-15 season, Nowitzki, who was 34 at the time, was entering free agency. He received massive deals from the Lakers and the Rockets worth $92 million to leave Dallas.
Free Agency throwback:
In 2014, Dirk Nowitzki was offered $92 million deals by both the Lakers and Rockets…
He declined both offers and signed a 3-year, $25 million deal to stay in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/fBkerLIYMM
— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) November 19, 2020
However, Nowitzki opted to stay in Dallas for less money, signing a 3-year, $25 million contract that would keep him with the team and also allow them the cap flexibility to sign other players to improve their roster. Dirk was very selfless and giving to the Mavs organization.
Nowitzki Will Forever Be The Mavericks GOAT
It’s hard to imagine any other player surpassing Nowitzki as the greatest player in Mavericks’ history. There is a reason that we at Fadeaway World put him at the top of our Dallas Mavericks GOAT pyramid recently.
What Dirk was able to do for the franchise has not been matched since, and his unwavering loyalty and love for the city and the team haven’t been seen much in the NBA.
During his legendary career with the Mavs, Dirk won an NBA championship and Finals MVP, won the 2007 regular season MVP, and was a 14-time All-Star.
On top of that, he made 12 All-NBA teams, including 4 All-NBA First-Team selections.
For his career, Nowitzki averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
In 2019, Dirk passed the torch to Luka Doncic as the next great European star and the face of the Mavericks. Luka is yet to find the success that Dirk did, but he is young in his career and will have plenty of opportunities to do so.
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