You know the NBA’s “silly rumor season” is in full swing when talk of Dirk Nowitzki turning his back on Dallas to chase a ring with Golden State gains traction.
The rumor that the Warriors are interested in the best European ever to play the game popped up Tuesday and there is one thing we know to be true in this — Nowitzki is going to be a free agent. Which isn’t a surprise. Via Marc Stein of ESPN.
ESPN sources say that Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki officially opted out of his contract today and will indeed become a free agent July 1
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2016
Nowitzki faced a Wednesday deadline to make his opt-out call. LeBron James, by contrast, has until June 29 to make his free agency decision.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2016
What this does is give Dallas more flexibility in chasing free agents.
As for the Warriors, Nowitzki has said before he is not looking to leave the Mavericks.
"(Not having a ring) would have been the only scenario where I go somewhere at the end to kind of hang on and maybe try to win one,” Nowitzki said, referring to his 2011 title team. “But ever since I won a championship here and we did that, I want to finish my career here. I always said that. The only scenario where I’ll try to go somewhere is if we’re rebuilding.”
I have no doubt the Warriors would have interest, he’d be a great fit with what they do playing mostly off the bench. I just don’t see Nowitzki turning his back on Mark Cuban for any reason.