Dirk Nowitzki Signs Three-Year Dallas Mavericks Contact: NBA Free Agency Move

With all the hype surrounding LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony it might of slipped your mind that Dallas Mavericks' legend Dirk Nowitzki was also a free agent. Perhaps it never received the same attention because the veteran is ageing, and it looked liked he'd always re-sign to stay in Dallas. The sharp-shooter has signed a three-year contract worth around $30 million. It looks like he will add to his 16-year stay in Dallas, and possibly make that the only team he ever plays for, which is a rarity in today's game.

Dirk, 36, never wanted to leave Dallas, perhaps being that he has won an NBA championship, whereas others like Carmelo feel they have to move to achieve their goals. The star is in the NBA's top 10 all-time scorers, and last season he averaged a stunning 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Despite his age these statistics made it near impossible to avoid giving him a long-term contract.

Can Dallas build around Dirk and aim for one more NBA title, or will Dirk's presence be a mere help to the younger players they attempt to bring through? Whilst others like James and Anthony appear ready to hop from team-to-team, it's refreshing to see a player that's so committed to his franchise through the good and the bad.

Is this a smart move for the Mavericks, or is it one they'll live to regret? Could this get the ball rolling for the rest of the free agents? It's going to be an interesting summer.