Dirk Expects To Stay In Dallas

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Dirk Nowitzki wants to return to the Dallas Mavericks and will be satisfied with well shy of the $48 million, two-year deal Kobe Bryant signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nowitzki made $22.725 million in 2013-14 and a cap hold of $23.8 million for the Mavericks to retain his Bird Rights.

Nowitzki said his focus is being on a better team, not getting a greater bankroll. He would likely be willing to re-sign for $10 million to $12 million per season, more in line with the team-friendly deal Tim Duncan signed to stay with the San Antonio Spurs.

“We want to get better as a team,” Nowitzki told the Dallas Morning News. “And I’m pretty sure I’m not going to sign Kobe’s deal — unfortunately. We’ll find a good way where I feel respected for what I did and we still have enough money left for us to get great players in here. Cubes (owner Mark Cuban) has been great to me and been loyal to me for a long, long time. I’m sure we’re going to find a great solution for everybody.”

The Mavericks pursued point guard Deron Williams two years ago and were in the Dwight Howard Sweepstakes last season.