Dirk Nowitzki‘s contract expires at the end of this season, but the Mavericks star is not ready to hang up his shorts. In fact, he may already be making plans to play in 2016.
Nowitzki is open to a return to the German national team for the 2016 Olympics, when he will be 38 years old and Germany’s chances of medaling at the Games will be slim to none. Regardless, Nowitzki would consider playing for national team in Rio, if only to give younger players like Dennis Schroeder a taste of what it’s like to represent their country.
“If I’m still healthy enough and we have a chance to qualify, then I’d consider it,” Nowitzki told ESPN.com.
“But that’s 2016,” he added, according to Germany coach Frank Menz. “I have three more NBA seasons [until then].”
Nowitzki played for Germany at the 2008 Olympics and was his country’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremonies in Beijing. Germany did not qualify for the 2012 Games, though, and their qualification for 2016 is far from guaranteed.
Nowitzki will make $22.7 million this season in the final year of a four-year deal he signed in 2010.
