Dallas Mavericks: Should Dirk Nowitzki consider a buyout?

With the Dallas Mavericks in the midst of a long rebuild, should Dirk Nowitzki consider a buyout?

The Dallas Mavericks have been in reset mode for the past two seasons now. The issue with that is Mark Cuban is afraid to admit it. While Dennis Smith Jr., Harrison Barnes, and Yogi Ferrell look to usher in a new era; Dirk Nowitzki seems comfortable playing the background.

Nowitzki has played his entire 20-year career with the Mavericks. Teammates have come and gone but Dirk has stayed true to the cause. But what if that cause has come to an end? The ride may be over but that doesn’t mean that Dirk is ready to call it quits.

There is where that word “loyalty” comes into play.

Nowitzki has been loyal to the Mavericks and vice versa; however, it may be time for the Mavericks to go the extra mile and take one for Dirk. Cuban understands the drive to win. As one of the best owners in the NBA, Cuban will do whatever it takes for his franchise to succeed. But what if what’s best for the Mavericks and Dirk are not aligned?

More from Sir Charles In Charge

• Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
• NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
• Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
• Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
• NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24

Nowitzki is 39 years old and his days as an elite player are over. In 14 games so far this season, Dirk is averaging just 10 points, 5.1 rebounds on 9.5 shots per games while shooting 41 percent from the floor (second worst since his rookie year). Do you remember the year Tim Duncan retired? The majority of his last season was spent watching from the bench.

While Dirk has remained a loyal soldier, it’s time for him to take a page from the selfish handbook and try to go out in style.

Nowitzki needs to approach Cuban and ask to be released. A buyout agreement is something Cuban should provide with no problem. With Dirk still on the fence regarding retirement after this year, it will be an act of respect for the Mavericks to grant him that. Let Dirk play out what could be his last season for a team contending for a title.

I know what many will say: “Duncan didn’t go out like that, neither did Kobe”. That is true. However, Duncan went out on a team still with title hopes and Kobe, well, he went out with 61 points.

Must Read: NBA Power Rankings: At what point do we worry about the Cleveland Cavaliers

No matter what Dirk does, he will always be the greatest Dallas Mavericks of all-time. How many players can say they single-handily beat one of the best teams to ever play in the NBA (2011 Miami Heat)? If there is one player on any roster in the league who deserves this honor, it’s Nowitzki.

The problem is, he’s too loyal to ask.