Dirk Nowitzki's new contract with the Dallas Mavericks is smaller than previously reported. Nowitzki will make $25 million over the next three years, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. That's $5 million less than what was previously reported. Nowitzki did it so that the Mavericks could sign Chandler Parsons to a three-year, $46 million contract to be the team's new starting small forward.
Stein also reports that Nowitzki had max contract offers on the table from the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. Both franchises have failed to become major players in the free agent market after striking out on Carmelo Anthony.
Put Dirk's deal down as umpteenth example of the Rout of the Century that NBA owners foisted upon the union in last labor negotiations
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 15, 2014
Nowitzki's contract stands in opposition to the one the Lakers gave to Kobe Bryant (not that anyone should blame Bryant for accepting it). Bryant will be making about as much next season as Nowitzki will over the life of the three-year deal. Both players will be 36 years old next season.
Nowitzki averaged 21.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for Dallas in his 16th season in the NBA last year. He was 12th in the league in PER, according to ESPN.