Warriors Interested in Dirk Nowitzki

(photo credit: sixthmanjournal.com)

According to reports by Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News, the Golden State Warriors are interested in pursuing Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki during free agency. Nowitzki will be high on the Warriors free agent list, but their biggest priority will be trying to sign Kevin Durant. Nowitzki has a player option on his contract, and it could pay him $8.7 million if he decides to take the option. 

However, Nowitzki is expected to opt out to test the free agent market, and potentially negotiate a new contract with the Mavericks. The 38-year-old forward has spent all 18 years of his career in Dallas. Nowitzki led the franchise to an NBA title in 2011, and his fantastic performance earned him Finals MVP. Nowitzki has been voted into 13 All-Star games, and he won the NBA MVP award during the 2006-2007 season. 

Golden State got poor performances from all of its centers during the NBA Finals, so they could turn to Nowitzki to be their next center. Dallas is in a very tricky situation, as they are always in the playoff hunt, but they don't seem like championship contenders right now. 

Nowitzki may want to leave Dallas, so he can get one last run at a championship with the Warriors. Nowitzki has averaged 22.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game over his career. Last season, he averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. The free agency period will begin on July 1.