BASKET-NBA-MAVERICKS-GER-NOWITZKI-FILES

(FILES) This March 1, 2013 file photo shows Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks as he grabs a rebound against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in New York. German star forward Dirk Nowitzki, who helped spark Dallas to the 2011 NBA title, has re-signed with the Mavericks, the team announced July 15, 2014. The deal reportedly was for three years and $25 million and saw the 7-footer take a cut in pay to help the Mavericks sign free agent Chandler Parsons from Houston. Nowitzki, the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2007 when the Mavericks won a team-record 67 regular-season games, averaged 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists over 80 games last season for Dallas. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA