Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: Mavericks still unsure if Nowitzki will play for two years

For fans of the Dallas Mavericks, they are slowly dreading the coming season as it will bring them closer to the retirement of arguably the best player in their franchise, Dirk Nowitzki.

Nowitzki signed a two-year deal this summer and many are considering it as his final two years with the club. However, rumor has it that the German might not even finish his contract.

Nowtizki recently told everyone that he will take things year by year. If he still feels that he has what it takes at the end of the season, then he will go on.

"I always said I wanted to kind of take it year by year. But signing a two-year deal doesn't mean I necessarily have to play those two years. I think we'll see how next year goes, how the body responds, and then we'll make that decision again next year. But obviously, I would love to play the next two years and then just see how it goes," he remarked.

One way to keep Nowitzki ready and available to play in the coming year is to find suitable players to substitute for him when he steps off.

Nowitzki cannot play as many minutes he used to so if such tactics prove to be effective then Nowitzki's career may be extended.

Currently at 38 years old, Nowitzki can still deliver despite his advanced age. Last season, he played 75 total games and averaged 18.3 points per game while shooting 45 percent from the field.

He actually improved from the previous year, showing that Nowitzki's game has aged well and his longevity in the profession is thanks to his excellent fundamentals of the game.

After sacrificing his contracts for the last two years, Nowitzki is set to earn $25 million. Mavs fans are hoping that his career can end on a high note.