Dallas Mavericks begin talks with Nowitzki, will pick up option for Barea

From: www.star-telegram.com
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By EDDIE SEFKO

The job of keeping Dirk Nowitzki with the Mavericks next season and possibly beyond has begun.

Owner Mark Cuban said Monday that the team has opened discussions with the face of the franchise about re-signing him. Nowitzki has the option of terminating the final year on his contract if he does so before July 1.

Cuban added that the Mavericks are going to pick up their team option for backup guard J.J. Barea for the 2010-11 season.

"We are definitely bringing J.J. back and we are already in talks with Dirk about his deal," he said.

Cuban would not elaborate on whether a three-year extension might already be offered for Nowitzki. That would be the longest addition the Mavericks could tack on to this deal at the moment. It could be worth the maximum allowed, approximately $75 million.

It's possible the Mavericks will wait on any extension to see what happens with free agency after July 1. If Nowitzki opts in, then the Mavericks could extend him for four seasons after July 1.

As for Barea, the Mavericks signed him to a three-year contract before the 2008-09 season. The 2010-11 season was at the club's option, but because his salary is scheduled to be a modest $1.8 million and he is coming off two productive seasons as Jason Kidd's backup, it's an easy decision to make.