Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki Willing to Take Massive Pay Cut
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NBA via Dallas Mavericks(DALLAS) — After missing the playoffs this past season, Dirk Nowitzki is willing to do whatever it takes to get back to the postseason, even if it means making far less money than he’s accustomed to.
If the team is able to land a free agent this summer such as Chris Paul or Dwight Howard, Nowitzki has assured the organization that he’ll take a big pay cut after next season when his contract is up so the team can land even more talent.
Next season, Nowitzki will enter the final season of a four-year, $80 million contract. Over the course of his 15-year career, Nowitzki has earned $204 million, which is the fifth-most in NBA history. Since he’s made his money, Nowitzki wants more rings.
“At this piont in my career, it’s all about competing and winning,” Nowitzki said. “It’s not about money. Obviously, Cuban took care of me for a long, long time. I always tried to pay him back by hard playing and being here for this franchise, so I don’t think we’re going to fight over money. I want to compete over these last couple of years. That’s going to be the goal.”
The Mavericks are hoping to have enough salary cap space this summer to give out a max-deal. If Nowitzki takes a big enough pay cut, they could land a second max-player during next season’s offseason.
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