It’s been expected that if Dirk Nowitzki decides to play overseas during the lockout, he would return to his native Germany. Bayern Munich reportedly has had interest as would plenty of teams.
But could he turn down $1.5 million per month?
That is what the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association are reportedly offering him, according to the German publication Bild (via Hoopshype).
This wouldn’t be the first rumor of a big-money offer from China, Dwyane Wade was reportedly offered $2 million a month (something both sides denied). The Chinese league does not start play until December, so this all could be very preliminary.
If there is one guy who would turn it down it would be Nowtizki. He could be raking in the endorsement dollars right now, but he doesn’t want to.
If he wants to play in Germany, then that’s where he will go. He also has three years and $53.7 million left on his deal with the Mavericks and he wants to defend his NBA title, so you can bet there will be an opt-out clause in any deal.
This summer Nowitzki will play for Germany in EuroBasket, where the team will try to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.
